Wu Zhu Yu
Tetradium ruticarpum (A.Juss.) Hartley
☯ TCM Properties
Dispels Cold and Alleviates Pain; Directs Rebellious Qi Downward and Stops Vomiting; Assists Yang and stops diarrhea; Warms the Middle and Dries Dampness; Soothes the Liver and Regulates Qi
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Tetradium ruticarpum (A.Juss.) T.G.Hartley (Rutaceae), formerly Evodia rutaecarpa, is a small dioecious deciduous tree 2.5-8 m tall native to China, with pinnately compound aromatic leaves of 5-11 ovate to elliptic leaflets dotted with translucent oil glands, and dense terminal corymbose panicles of small greenish-white flowers. The unripe to just-ripe fruits are five-lobed schizocarpic capsules 2-5 mm across, reddish-brown to purplish, that split into follicles containing shiny black seeds. For Wu Zhu Yu, fruits are harvested in August-October before fully ripening, sun-dried, and processed (often with licorice decoction) to reduce acrid intensity. In TCM, Wu Zhu Yu is acrid and bitter in flavor, hot in nature, and slightly toxic, entering the Liver, Spleen, Stomach, and Kidney channels; it warms the middle, dispels cold, descends rebellious qi, and stops pain and vomiting.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 3-9g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Wu Zhu Yu (evodia fruit) is a warm, toxic herb that warms the Liver and Stomach, disperses cold, descends rebellious Qi, and stops pain. It is the primary herb for the classical Liver-Stomach cold pattern presenting with vertex headache, flank pain, acid regurgitation, vomiting, and cold abdominal pain. It is also used topically for foot soaking in patients with hypertension where ascending Liver Fire needs to be drawn downward. Its warm, stimulating nature requires careful dosing, as it is toxic in excess.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.