Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus officinalis) — Dried Pitted Dogwood Fruit, Qinling Origin Food Herb for Tea

Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus officinalis) is the dried, pitted fruit of a highly revered traditional herb known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Shān Zhū Yú (山茱萸), also called Dogwood Fruit or Cornus Fruit. For centuries, Shan Zhu Yu has been prized as a stabilizing, astringent, and essence-preserving herb, traditionally used to anchor the Liver and Kidney, restrain leakage, and support the body's vital essence. Its nature is slightly warm and its flavor is sour and astringent, making it a gentle yet deeply nourishing herb for long-term daily wellness. This batch is sourced from the Qinling Mountains and naturally sun-dried, preserving its deep ruby color and tart, fruity character.

Key Selling Points

• Sourced from the Qinling Mountains, a classic growing region for Shan Zhu Yu
• Pitted, naturally sun-dried fruit with no added processing
• Traditional food herb (药食同源) for daily tea and tonic use
• Sour, astringent nature that anchors the Liver and Kidney in TCM
• Available in 50g, 100g, and 500g specifications

Quality & Sensory

Each batch is carefully pitted and sun-dried to preserve its deep ruby-red to purplish-black color, wrinkled yet supple texture, and mild, fruity aroma. When steeped in hot water, the fruit releases a tart, slightly sweet, and gently astringent infusion with a soft fruity fragrance. The dried fruit itself is chewy and dense, with a sour taste that softens as it brews.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Daily herbal tea, brewed alone or blended with goji berry and chrysanthemum
• Traditional soup and congee ingredient for seasonal nourishment
• Paired with Rehmannia, Chinese Yam, and Poria in classic tonic formulas
• Soaked in hot water as a simple daily wellness drink
• Added to herbal decoctions and longevity formulas

Traditional Uses

In folk herbal practice, Shan Zhu Yu is decocted into soups, congee, and tonic formulas to support the Liver and Kidney, preserve vital essence, and restrain excessive leakage. It is a classic ingredient in the famous Liu Wei Di Huang Wan formula, where it pairs with Rehmannia, Chinese Yam, Poria, Alisma, and Moutan. As a daily tea, it is brewed alone or blended with goji berry and chrysanthemum for a tart, refreshing infusion. In seasonal nourishment, it is added to slow-cooked soups and congee to support the body during cooler months.

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