3Wu Yao - Linderawortel - Radix Linderae

Wu Yao (Lindera Root) is a warm, acrid herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) known for its ability to promote the smooth flow of Qi, disperse cold, and alleviate pain. It is derived from the root of Lindera aggregata and is especially valued for treating abdominal, chest, and flank pain caused by Qi stagnation and cold. Wu Yao warms the lower burner, benefits the Kidneys and Bladder, and is used for urinary disorders such as frequent urination or incontinence due to deficiency and cold. Its warming and Qi-moving nature makes it an important herb for both digestive and urogenital health.

Functies en voordelen

Promotes Qi Movement and Relieves Pain
Smooths the flow of Qi throughout the chest, abdomen, and flanks, reducing pain and distension caused by stagnation.

Disperses Cold and Warms the Middle and Lower Burners
Alleviates pain from cold-type conditions, including menstrual cramps, hernia, and lower abdominal discomfort.

Benefits the Bladder and Regulates Urination
Used for frequent urination, urinary incontinence, and enuresis caused by cold from deficiency.

Relieves Menstrual and Abdominal Pain
Eases discomfort from cold-type dysmenorrhea and abdominal distension, especially when combined with other warming, Qi-moving herbs.

Indicaties (wie kan er baat bij hebben?)
✔ Individuals with abdominal or flank pain from Qi stagnation and cold.
✔ People with urinary frequency, incontinence, or cold-related bladder weakness.
✔ Women with cold-type menstrual pain.
✔ Those with lower abdominal cold pain or hernia discomfort.

Diagnose van tong en pols in TCM
Tong: Bleek met een dun wit laagje, wat wijst op kou en Qi-stagnatie.
Pols: Diep, strak of kronkelig, wat een weerspiegeling is van samengedrukte Qi met kou.

Verwante TCM-patronen
Qi Stagnation with Cold – Causes distension and pain in the chest, abdomen, or flanks.
Cold in the Lower Burner – Leads to urinary disorders and lower abdominal pain.
Cold-Type Dysmenorrhea – Produces menstrual cramps relieved by warmth.

Klinische toepassingen (alleen ter referentie)
Abdominal and Flank Pain – Moves Qi and disperses cold to ease discomfort.
Cold-Type Hernia – Relieves pain and restores Qi flow.
Urinary Disorders – Benefits the Bladder in cold-deficiency patterns.
Menstrual Cramps – Warms the uterus and relieves cold-induced pain.

Common Herbal Formulas with Wu Yao
Often combined with Xiao Hui Xiang and Gao Liang Jiang for cold-type abdominal pain, or with Yi Zhi Ren for urinary frequency from Kidney and Bladder deficiency.

Voorzorgsmaatregelen en contra-indicaties
Avoid in cases of heat or Yin deficiency with dryness.
Not suitable for urinary problems caused by damp-heat.
Voorzichtig gebruiken tijdens de zwangerschap in grote doses.

Aanbevelingen voor levensstijl en dieet
✔ Eat warming foods such as ginger, cinnamon, and lamb to support Yang energy.
✔ Avoid raw, cold, and chilled foods that aggravate cold stagnation.
✔ Apply gentle warmth to the lower abdomen in cold-related pain.
✔ Engage in light exercise to promote Qi circulation and prevent stagnation.

Conclusie
Wu Yao (Lindera Root) is a warm, Qi-moving herb in TCM that disperses cold, relieves pain, and supports bladder function. It is particularly useful for abdominal discomfort, menstrual cramps, and urinary disorders linked to cold and Qi stagnation.