What it is
Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine herb used to support liver detoxification and elimination. It is specifically recognized for its properties related to kidney-yin and astringency.
Supplement · Kidney, Bladder & Urinary Health
Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus)
500 mg · vegan · gluten-free · 90 caps
sluggish-detoxificationfatigueskin-breakouts liverkidneylymphatic system
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How it works
This herb primarily acts on the liver and kidneys, influencing detoxification pathways. Its effects on elimination and toxin clearance are dose-dependent, typically becoming noticeable within 4-8 weeks of consistent use.
Who should take it
Adults looking to address sluggish detox, fatigue, skin breakouts. Particularly relevant for people who prefer a targeted single ingredient and who have ruled out an underlying condition that needs medical care first.
Avoid / careful
Pregnant or nursing women without clinician oversight. People on prescription medication affecting the same pathway should consult a doctor before combining. Side effects are uncommon at recommended doses but mild GI upset can occur when starting.
When to take it
Morning
Noon
Evening
Night
How to take it
With food
Empty stomach
Before food
FAQs
Frequently asked
How long does it take to see results from Shan Zhu Yu?
Effects on detoxification markers are typically measurable within 4-8 weeks of consistent daily dosing.
Can Shan Zhu Yu be combined with other supplements?
Yes, it can be layered into a broader protocol. However, consult a clinician if you are on prescription medications affecting similar pathways.
What is the primary traditional use of Shan Zhu Yu?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is used to tonify kidney-yin and control excessive sweating due to its astringent properties.
Research
6 studies · 2010–2024
Evidence grade
ABCD
C · C · emerging-to-moderate human evidence for liver detoxification and elimination
From the blog
Editorial notes
SacredBod's longer take on Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus) — context the structured blocks above don't capture.
About Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus)
Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus) is a kidney, bladder & urinary health supplement used to support liver detoxification and elimination. Cornelian cherry for kidney-yin and astringency. It is available in capsule form and dosed for adults in India and internationally. As a tcm-tradition entry in the SacredBod catalog, it is positioned as a single-ingredient option that can be used on its own or layered into a broader protocol. Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus) works through the mechanisms characteristic of its class — see the mechanism and research sections for detail. It primarily acts on the liver, kidneys, lymphatic system, and effects are dose-dependent, typically becoming measurable within 4-8 weeks for detox markers. Consistency matters more than dose size for this category.
Evidence
Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus) carries an evidence grade of C in the SacredBod catalog, reflecting emerging human evidence for liver detoxification and elimination. Cornelian cherry for kidney-yin and astringency. Benefits are cumulative rather than immediate, typically becoming noticeable within 4-8 weeks for detox markers, and individual response varies.
Dosing
A typical dose is 500 mg, taken with food, usually in the morning. Start at the lower end, assess tolerance, and stay consistent; more is not automatically better.
Cautions
Pregnant or nursing women without clinician oversight. People on prescription medication affecting the same pathway should consult a doctor before combining. Side effects are uncommon at recommended doses but mild GI upset can occur when starting.
Who it’s for
Adults looking to address sluggish detox, fatigue, skin breakouts. Particularly relevant for people who prefer a targeted single ingredient and who have ruled out an underlying condition that needs medical care first.
As part of the Kidney, Bladder & Urinary Health category, Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus) can be used on its own or layered into a broader protocol — see the Goes with panel for evidence-aligned pairings.
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