Shan Zhu Yu Serendipity
While walking through an urban park on a rainy summer day, I happened upon an older gentleman on the side of the path picking berries from a tree. He wasn’t eating them, but placing them in a plastic water bottle. “Why are you collecting berries?”. He turned around towards me and took a moment to consider his answer. “Are you Korean?”, he asked. “No, I’m Chinese”. “Ahh”, an utterance of placement. Categorization soothes the unknowing, for many. As he spoke his story, I learned that in Korea, he practiced judo for decades. He sought relief from a traditional medicine doctor for his many injuries. From his doctor friend, he learned of natural remedies including the use of whole herbs for preventative and curative measures.
Late summer is the time of bright red, ripening, ovular Shan Zhu Yu (Cornelian Cherry) berries. “Pick the darker ones, they’re better”, he said. “Why do you use them?”, I asked again. “For my internal health”, was the knowing reply. Sweet, sour, slightly astringent as I chewed thoughtfully on a single small fruit. Astringing body fluids (urine, sweat, semen, menses) is the berry’s main function. It tonifies Liver and Kidney Yin while also strengthening Kidney Yang. Magical to think how this small red package has so much curative ability. Heartwarming to meet a wise soul who sees the power in the proximal, the natural, the unassuming, the everyday.
As we went our separate ways from this serendipitous meeting, the rain began to pour. Walking through the trees in the rain, I remembered my grandparents. When they came from Yunnan to visit me as a young child, a curious thing happened. They would take time regularly to bend down and pick dandelions near the sidewalks we took walks along. I remember being embarrassed by this behaviour. Feeling those eyes of judgment from passersby in cars and on foot. Now they are both departed, but I finally understand. Thank you dear Yie Yie and Nai Nai.
