Witnessed by: TCM
Cornus (Cornus officinalis), of the Cornaceae family. Small deciduous tree flowering in early spring before leaf; native range: mountain woodlands of central and eastern China. Globally recognized as shan zhu yu (山茱萸) in Chinese, and Asiatic cornelian cherry, dogwood fruit in English. The part used is fruit (seed removed). Wrinkled deep-red dried flesh, markedly sour and astringent with a slightly warming character.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
CORNUS
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- cornus
- Scientific name
- Cornus officinalis Siebold & Zucc.
- Family
- Cornaceae
Form
- Part used
- fruit (seed removed)
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- sour · astringent
Temperature
- TCM
- warm (slightly)
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Liver · Kidney
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- tonifies the Liver and Kidney, secures the essence and stems collapse, stabilizes menstruation and stops excessive sweating
Cautions
- Contraindications
- contraindicated in damp-heat and in painful difficult urination from excess
- Toxicity
- no significant toxicity at usual doses
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