Cornus (Shan Zhu Yu)

Botanical Name: Western – Cornus florida. Eastern – Cornus officinalis.

The bark of the dogwood tree (Cornus florida) is most commonly used in Western herbalism. In Asia, the bark and especially the fruit of the dogwood species, Cornus officinalis, is used. The fruit has a long history in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a revered tonic for the Liver and Kidney Systems. It is especially identified with the kidneys and the reproductive system. It is used to treat a wide variety of conditions including impotence, heavy menstrual cycle, diarrhea, leukorrhea, fevers, and to help speed recovery after an illness. Cornus fruit is a classic anti-aging tonic herb.

Watch a short video, from Ann Christensen, Founder and Creator of White Rabbit Institute of Healing™ – Using Cornus To Treat Shock.

Below is an overview of cornus, combining the best of Western Science, Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shamanism, Folklore, and a wide range of healing modalities. Gain a balanced and thorough understanding of the healing properties of cornus.

Parts Most Frequently Used: Bark, Root Bark, Fruit, Rarely the Leaf

Flavors/Temps: Sour, Slightly Warm

Caution: The red berries are not toxic when ingested, but some people can experience skin rashes after contact with the tree.

Key Constituents: Verbenalin, Malic acid, tartaric acid, gallic acid, Loganin, Sweroside, Morroniside, Triterpenoids (Oleanolic acid, Ursolic acid), Tannins, Anthocyanins, Calcium, Potassium, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Vitamin A, Zinc, Sodium

History/Folklore: Cornus berries (or fruit) have a long history of being used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a tonic and astringent herb. While described as an astringent herb, it is most often used in formulas that tonify. It is especially identified with tonifying kidney system functions including impotence, irregular menses, spontaneous sweating, low back and knee pain, dizziness, and even the effects of shock and trauma. Cornus fruit can also act as a urinary antiseptic.

Cornus bark is astringent and most often used to treat fevers (including typhoid fevers) and malaria. The high tannin content has led the herb to be used as a substitute for quinine. During the American civil war confederate soldiers would make tea from the bark to treat pain and fevers, and a poultice made from the leaves was used to cover wounds.

When using the Western species, Cornus florida, it is the bark of the branches and roots that are most commonly used and the root bark is considered the strongest and most effective for making medicines. Like Cornus officinalis, this species is also a tonic and astringent herb.

Certain studies have shown that cornus fruit’s antibacterial and antifungal properties can inhibit the growth of certain strains of Staphylococcus bacteria. It may also be effective against Salmonella and Shigella, both are bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal disorders.

In Korea, cornus is a popular remedy for impotence and is used by both men and women to promote beautiful skin and a healthy glowing complexion.

In formulas, cornus is often paired with rehmannia, another blood and liver and kidney tonic herb.

In China, cornus is popularly used to produce wine and liquor. In the ancient Chinese Song Dynasty cornus wine was considered such a rare tonic that it was listed as a tribute. The fruit is also used to make preserves, jellies, syrup, or a sauce, similar to cranberry sauce.

In Iran and Turkey cornus fruit is used to make a traditional cold drink called kizilcik serbeti.

The dense wood of the largest-stemmed species is used for making fine grained woods. The wood is rare and highly prized for making tool handles and other strong wood pieces, such as walking sticks and weapons like bows and spears in the 7th century.

The genus name Cornus, derives from the Latin word cornu meaning horn, in reference to the plant’s strong and dense wood.