Dogwood fruit (Shanzhuyu)  

Pharmaceutical Name: Fructus Corni

Botanical Name : Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc.

Common Name : Cornus fruit, Dogwood fruit

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Name: The ripe fruit is gathered from October to November. The fruit is baked or boiled, after which the fruit pit is removed. The fruit is then dried in the sun or baked again.

Properties & Taste: Sour and slightly warm

Meridians: Liver and kidney

Functions:
1. To tonify the liver and kidneys;
2. To astringe the essence;
3. To stop sweating

Indications & Combinations:
1. Deficiency of the liver and kidneys manifested as dizziness, blurred vision, soreness in the lower back, weakness of the legs, seminal emissions and impotence. Dogwood fruit (Shanzhuyu) is used with Prepared rehmannia root (Shudihuang), Dadder seed (Tusizi), Wolfberry fruit (Gouqizi) and Eucommia bark (Duzhong).

2. Spontaneous sweating due to weakness of the body. Dogwood fruit (Shanzhuyu) is used with Ginseng (Renshen), Prepared aconite root (Fuzi) and Oyster shell (Muli).

Dosage: 5-10 g

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated in cases with damp-heat or dysuria.