Wu Jia Pi (五加皮) — Eleuthero Root Bark
Wu Jia Pi is the root bark of the eleuthero (Siberian ginseng) plant, used in Chinese medicine for chronic Wind-Damp Bi with underlying Liver-Kidney deficiency. It combines Wind-Damp dispelling with gentle Kidney-tonifying action.
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Dosage
- Cautions and incompatibilities
- Key formulas
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Wu Jia Pi (五加皮) — Eleuthero Root Bark (Eleutherococcus senticosus / gracilistylus (root bark)) — is a Chinese herb in the Dispel Wind-Damp Bi category. I prescribe it as part of bespoke pharmaceutical-grade granule formulas from Sun Ten in Taiwan at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire and via online herbal consultations.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Wu Jia Pi |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 五加皮 |
| Latin name | Eleutherococcus senticosus / gracilistylus (root bark) |
| English name | Eleuthero Root Bark |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Acrid, bitter |
| Channels entered | Liver, Kidney |
| Category | Dispel Wind-Damp Bi |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Dispels Wind-Damp
- Tonifies Liver and Kidney
- Strengthens sinews and bones
Indications
- Chronic Wind-Damp Bi in elderly patients
- Weakness of low back and knees
- Delayed motor development in children (traditional)
- Oedema
4. Dosage
5–10g
5. Cautions and incompatibilities
- Reduce in Yin deficiency with heat
- Not for acute Wind-Heat Bi
6. Key formulas
Wu Jia Pi is used in a range of bespoke prescriptions rather than a fixed classical formula in modern practice. Consult a qualified TCM herbalist for individual prescription.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Wu Jia Pi where its indications and TCM pattern match the patient’s presentation, always as part of a tailored formula. Return to the Chinese herbs directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
