Notes on Shan Zhu Yu （山茱萸）

Shanzhuyu is an herb that has gradually moved into my top-ten most coveted herbs. It is commonly included in kidney nourishing formulas based on Jin-Gui Shen Qi Wan (金匱腎氣丸) which includes all of the Liu-Wei Dihuang Wan (六味地黃丸) variations, Yougui Yin (右歸飲), and Zuo Gui Yin (左歸飲). Because of its sour taste, it has a retaining or astringent (收斂) effect and primarily enters or affects the liver system. Its warmth contrasts to the sour but cold quality of shaoyao (芍藥) and offers tonifying and nourishing support. Shanzhuyu is included in kidney formulas by virtue of the doctrine that the kidney and liver have the same source (肝腎同源). In other words, the kidney bolstering action is augmented by the inclusion of this herb.

A key to the importance of this herb is that the astringent quality adds a fixing or consolidating (固) effect to its nourishing quality making, shanzhuyu ideal for patients who cannot retain fluids or qi. Most commonly physicians use shanzhuyu to restrain deficiency sweating as well as premature ejaculation and spermatorrhea, but it can also be used for menorrhagia, diarrhea or dysentery. I find that it is also excellent for cancer patients or end-of-life patients in that it warms as well as retains and consolidates qi, particularly fundamental ‘life-force’ kidney qi.

Recently SIOM’s supply of the herb, shanzhuyu has changed its appearance to a dark purple-black. This is because Springwind Herbs recently has been supplying a wine-steamed preparation. Wine steaming reduces its sourness while increasing its kidney warming and tonifying qualities. My personal use of this herb depends on the sour retaining effect and I continue to use the original un-prepared dried product.

Shanzhuyu has no toxicity which generally makes it safe in large doses. For serious diseases, I commonly use amounts of 80 grams or more.  Of course, as always, one must be attentive to the condition of the patient.

One word of caution: Chinese medicine generally uses the shanzhuyu fruit (山茱肉). However seeds often are found mixed in with the fruit from the supplier. The seeds have the opposite effect of the fruit. Instead of preventing premature ejaculation, they promote it. If you are using shanzhuyu in a formula like Jinsuo Gujing Wan (金鎖固精丸), it is advantageous to spend a few minutes to remove the seeds.

By Daniel Altschuler, L.Ac

SIOM Clinical Faculty