Wū Yào (乌药) — Lindera root / Spicebush root

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Wū Yào (乌药) — Lindera aggregata — is known in English as Lindera root / Spicebush root. It belongs to the category of Herbs that regulate Qi in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical herbal formulas and tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Wū Yào as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Promotes the movement of Qi and disperses Cold — particularly in the lower abdomen and flanks
2. Warms the Kidney Yang and disperses Cold in the lower Jiao
3. Relieves urinary frequency and incontinence from Kidney deficiency-Cold
4. Relieves pain from Cold obstructing Qi

Indications

1. Lower abdominal pain and Cold hernia from Cold Qi stagnation
2. Dysmenorrhoea from Cold uterus and Qi stagnation — combined with Xiang Fu
3. Urinary frequency, incontinence and nocturia from Kidney deficiency-Cold
4. Chest and flank pain from Cold Qi stagnation
5. Headache from Cold and Qi stagnation

4. Key formulas containing Wū Yào

Wū Yào appears in the following key formulas:

• Wu Yao San
• Tian Tai Wu Yao San

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.

5. Modern research

Lindera aggregata (Wu Yao) is one of the primary herbs for lower abdominal Cold and Qi stagnation and is particularly important in gynaecological conditions from Cold uterus. Key bioactive constituents include sesquiterpenes (lindenenyl acetate, linderane, linderalactone), alkaloids and volatile oils. Research confirms smooth muscle regulatory effects on both the gastrointestinal tract and urinary system, anti-inflammatory effects, analgesic properties and uterine-regulating activity. The combination Wu Yao + Xiang Fu (the classical 'gynaecological pair') is one of the most important combinations for dysmenorrhoea from Cold and Qi stagnation. Clinical research confirms Wu Yao-based formulas for overactive bladder and urinary incontinence.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Avoid in Qi and Yin deficiency with Heat — the warm, acrid nature is specific to Cold patterns. Avoid in haemorrhagic conditions.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM with over 25 years of clinical experience.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Wū Yào as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Irregular menstrual cycle, Endometriosis, Urinary tract infections. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available throughout the UK and internationally. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.