Source The dried ripe sarcocarp of Cornus officialis Sieb. Et Zucc (fam. Cornaceae.
Producing Areas Zhejiang, Henan, Anhui, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Sichua.
Properties Sour, Astringent, Slightly war.
Channels Liver, Kidne.
ACTION
- Invigorates the liver and the kidney, retains kidney essence and reduces urination
Treats insufficiency of yang in the kidney, spermatorrhea and frequent urination.
Treats lassitude in the loins and knees, dizziness, tinnitus, night sweat, and spermatorrhea due to deficiency of yin in the liver and kidney. - Arrests sweating and treats hemorrhage
Treats deficiency in the chong and ren meridians with menorrtiagia, netrorrhagia and metrostaxis.
Usage and Dosage
The crude herb is for astringing yin and arresting sweating.
The steamed herb is for nourishing kidney and arresting seminal emission, arresting menorrhagia and reducing urination. When prepared with wine, it can be used to treat soreness of loins and lumbago, and costal pain. 6–15 g is used in decoction for oral use. Up to 20–30 g for cases of exhaustion. May also be used in pills.
Storage
Keep in a cool and dry place. Seal in airtight containers for wine-prepared and steamed herbs.
Protect from moths, mould and moisture.
Notes
Used with caution in the case with excessive fire from the ‘vital gate’ or waist area (due to deficiency of kidney yin), damp-heat or dysuria.
Description of Quality Herb
The good one has a thick flesh, feels soft and is usually purplish red in colour.
