Shān Zhū Yú (山茱萸) — Asiatic Cornelian Cherry Fruit
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Shān Zhū Yú (山茱萸) — Cornus officinalis fruit — is one of the cornerstone tonics of Chinese herbal medicine. It nourishes Liver Yin and Kidney Yin and Yang simultaneously, while its astringent quality stabilises Jing (essence) and stops abnormal fluid leakage. It is the most-used herb in the Liu Wei Di Huang Wan family of Kidney-tonifying formulas. The combination of nourishing and astringent actions in a single herb is rare, making it indispensable for chronic depletion patterns where the patient is leaking essence faster than it can be replaced.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Shān Zhū Yú |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 山茱萸 |
| Latin name | Fructus Corni / Cornus officinalis |
| English name | Asiatic cornelian cherry, Japanese cornel |
| Nature | Slightly warm |
| Flavour | Sour, astringent |
| Channels entered | Liver, Kidney |
| Category | Herbs that stabilise and bind (astringents) |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Tonifies Liver and Kidney
- Stabilises essence (Jing) and stops leakage
- Astringes and stops sweating
Indications
- Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency with dizziness, tinnitus, low back ache and weak knees
- Premature greying, hair loss and impotence from Kidney deficiency
- Spermatorrhoea, premature ejaculation, urinary frequency and incontinence from Kidney essence not held
- Excessive uterine bleeding from Kidney and Spleen Qi not holding the Blood
- Profuse sweating, spontaneous sweating and night sweats
- Diabetic-pattern wasting and thirsting disorder
- Used widely in fertility formulas to support both ovarian reserve and uterine receptivity in low AMH and premature ovarian insufficiency
4. Key formulas containing Shān Zhū Yú
- Liu Wei Di Huang Wan — Kidney Yin deficiency
- Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan — Kidney Yang deficiency
- Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan — Kidney Yin deficiency with empty Heat
- Qi Ju Di Huang Wan — Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency affecting the eyes
- Zuo Gui Wan — True Kidney Yin deficiency
- You Gui Wan — True Kidney Yang deficiency
5. Incompatibilities
Shān Zhū Yú (山茱萸) Asiatic Cornelian Cherry Fruit is not listed in either of the two classical incompatibility texts — Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) or Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions). As with every Chinese herb it should be prescribed only as part of a balanced formula by a registered Chinese herbalist (RCHM), who will check for interactions with any other herbs and prescription medications you are taking.
6. Cautions
Contraindicated in damp-heat patterns of the lower jiao, in difficult or painful urination from Damp-Heat, and in Spleen-Stomach Damp patterns where its sour-astringent nature would aggravate fluid stagnation. Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.
Pattern contraindications
Contraindicated in Excess patterns with retained pathogens — astringing while a pathogen is still active can lock it in. Use only once the active pathogen has been cleared and the residual deficiency is the dominant pattern.
Modern drug interactions
Wu Wei Zi is a notable CYP3A4 inhibitor — it can raise levels of statins, ciclosporin, tacrolimus and many other drugs. Tell your GP if you take prescription medication before starting a formula containing Wu Wei Zi.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I see patients at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online consultations are available. Return to the Chinese herb directory.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.
