Cornus Fruit Shan Zhu Yu 山茱萸 Dried Asiatic Dogwood Fruit 500g Traditional TCM Herb

Cornus Fruit, known in TCM as Shan Zhu Yu (山茱萸), is the dried ripe fruit of Cornus officinalis, also called Asiatic dogwood or shan yu rou. These pitted, deep red fruits are a classic tonic herb traditionally associated with the liver and kidney channels in TCM theory. Traditionally valued for nourishing and astringing, they are commonly simmered in decoctions, herbal soups, or infused wines. Store sealed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Key Selling Points

• Dried ripe Cornus officinalis fruit, a classic TCM tonic herb
• Known as Shan Zhu Yu 山茱萸 or shan yu rou in Chinese herbal tradition
• Pitted, seedless form ready for decoction, soup, or wine infusion
• Traditionally associated with the liver and kidney channels in TCM theory
• 500g bulk pack sourced from Henan, China

Quality & Sensory

Typically deep reddish-purple to dark red with a wrinkled, glossy surface and soft, slightly sticky texture. The aroma is mildly sour and herbal, and the taste is characteristically sour with a faint astringent note when simmered.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Simmer in traditional herbal decoctions
• Add to tonic soups with other herbs
• Steep as a sour herbal fruit tea
• Infuse in traditional medicinal wine

Traditional Uses

In TCM theory, Shan Zhu Yu is traditionally associated with the liver and kidney channels and is traditionally used to tonify and astringe. It is a familiar ingredient in classic formulas such as Liu Wei Di Huang Wan and is often paired with herbs like Shu Di Huang and Shan Yao. Traditionally also simmered in congee or steeped in wine, especially during autumn and winter tonic seasons.

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