Wu Zhu Yu (Evodia Fruit) is a hot, acrid, and slightly bitter herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), known for warming the interior, dispersing cold, directing rebellious Qi downward, and relieving pain. It is particularly effective in cold-related digestive disorders, cold in the Liver channel, and headaches or vomiting caused by internal cold. Despite its strong warming nature, it also plays a role in calming rebellious Qi and alleviating nausea.
Wu Zhu Yu is often used in formulas for hernia pain, acid reflux, cold-type migraines, and menstrual cramps, especially in patients with cold constitutions.
Fonctions et avantages
Warms the Middle Jiao and Alleviates Pain
• Treats cold in the Stomach and Spleen with symptoms like epigastric pain, nausea, and diarrhea
• Used in chronic gastritis or poor digestion due to cold
• Strengthens Yang in the digestive tract and improves appetite
Redirects Rebellious Qi Downward and Stops Vomiting
• Especially useful in vomiting or hiccups due to cold in the Stomach or Liver
• Treats acid reflux and belching when caused by cold-induced Qi reversal
• Relieves nausea in both acute and chronic digestive weakness
Warms the Liver Channel and Alleviates Pain
• Treats cold-related hernia pain, testicular pain, or menstrual cramps
• Addresses Liver channel cold causing pain in the lower abdomen or inguinal region
Leads Fire Downward
• Paradoxically used for mouth and tongue sores caused by heat rising upward
• Its strong descending action helps bring rebellious Liver Fire downward
Indications (qui peut en bénéficier ?)
✔ Individuals with cold-type nausea, vomiting, or acid reflux
✔ People with epigastric or abdominal pain due to cold
✔ Women with dysmenorrhea or menstrual disorders from internal cold
✔ Patients with hernia or testicular pain due to Liver cold
✔ Those with cold headaches or migraines, especially after exposure to wind or cold
Diagnostic de la langue et du pouls en MTC
Tongue: Pale with white, moist coating (indicating cold)
Pulse: Deep, slow, or wiry (cold or Liver Qi constraint)
Modèles apparentés de la MTC
Stomach Cold with Rebellious Qi – Nausea, vomiting, belching, epigastric pain
Cold in the Liver Channel – Hernia, testicular pain, menstrual cramps
Cold in the Middle Jiao – Diarrhea, poor appetite, abdominal bloating
Liver Fire Rising – Mouth sores or red face with underlying cold in the lower body
Cold Headache – Vertex or occipital headache aggravated by wind or cold
Applications cliniques (pour référence uniquement)
Acid Reflux and Chronic Vomiting – Warms and directs rebellious Qi downward
Cold-Type Dysmenorrhea – Alleviates menstrual pain caused by internal cold
Hernia Pain – Treats lower abdominal and testicular pain due to Liver cold
Migraine and Headache – Especially cold-type or vertex pain with nausea
Chronic Diarrhea – Strengthens digestion and resolves cold dampness in the intestines
Common Herbal Formulas with Wu Zhu Yu
• Wu Zhu Yu Tang – For cold vomiting, acid reflux, and cold headache
• Wen Dan Tang (modified) – For rebellious Qi due to cold in Stomach and Gallbladder
• Tian Tai Wu Yao San – For hernia and testicular pain due to Liver cold
• Wen Jing Tang – For cold in the uterus with menstrual irregularities
• Sheng Hua Tang – For postpartum pain and blood stasis with cold
Précautions et contre-indications
Contraindicated in heat conditions, Yin deficiency, or dry constitutions
Avoid in patients with red tongue, thirst, or dry mouth without cold signs
Use with caution during pregnancy due to strong warming and moving nature
May cause a slight burning sensation in the throat—best taken with ginger or honey
Recommandations en matière de mode de vie et d'alimentation
✔ Eat warming foods like ginger, fennel, cinnamon, and warm broths
✔ Avoid raw, cold, or greasy foods that weaken digestion and promote cold retention
✔ Keep the abdomen and lower body warm, especially in winter or after meals
✔ Incorporate gentle abdominal massage or moxibustion for chronic cold patterns
Conclusion
Wu Zhu Yu (Evodia Fruit) is a potent warming herb that redirects rebellious Qi, relieves cold-induced pain, and strengthens the middle and lower burners. It is particularly valuable in digestive disorders, menstrual cramps, and cold headaches, especially in patients with Yang deficiency or cold constitutions. Though strong in nature, it is a key herb in restoring warmth, direction, and comfort to the body.