Interest is growing in the health benefits of cornus fruit (Cornus officinalis), traditionally believed to be beneficial for people who tend to have a cold body constitution. Cornus fruit comes from the Japanese cornel dogwood, a member of the dogwood family. The tree is known for its bright yellow flowers, which bloom in March and April before the leaves appear. So, what are the health benefits of cornus fruit?

The ripe fruits are harvested in October and November. Traditionally, they are soaked in alcohol to remove the seeds, then dried or steamed over low heat before being used. In Donguibogam, a traditional Korean medical text, it is recorded that the seeds should be removed because they were believed to promote the discharge of semen.

Cornus fruit has traditionally been considered beneficial for people with a “cold” constitution, particularly those classified as Soyangin in traditional Korean medicine. For people with cold hands and feet, foods such as cornus fruit, goji berries, plantain, burdock, and aralia shoots are traditionally believed to help reduce excessive heat in the upper body while supporting vitality in the lower abdomen.

In traditional herbal medicine, cornus fruit is believed to have properties that help replenish yin energy. It has traditionally been used by both men and women experiencing reduced sexual vitality, as well as by those suffering from lower back pain. It has also been traditionally used for nighttime urination and as a fever-reducing remedy. Long-term use has been associated in traditional medicine with benefits for conditions such as tinnitus and low energy.

A traditional preparation involves taking 6–12 grams per day, decocting it, and dividing it into two or three servings throughout the day.

Cornus fruit has a distinctly sour and astringent taste. Its characteristic properties are traditionally attributed to cornin, a compound found in the fruit. Cornin has been reported in traditional medicine to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, while the fruit’s astringent properties have traditionally made it suitable for people who tend to have loose stools.

Source: 헬스조선 (https://health.chosun.com/)