Wú Zhū Yú (吴茱萸) — Evodia fruit

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

Wú Zhū Yú (吴茱萸) — Tetradium ruticarpum / Evodia ruticarpa — is known in English as Evodia fruit. It belongs to the category of Herbs that warm the Interior in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical herbal formulas and tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Wú Zhū Yú 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. Warms the Middle Jiao and descends rebellious Qi — the primary herb for Cold vomiting and headache from the Liver channel
2. Disperses Cold and relieves pain in the Liver channel — the primary herb for vertex headache from Cold in the Liver channel
3. Stops diarrhoea from Spleen and Kidney Yang deficiency
4. Dries Dampness

Indications

1. Vertex headache from Cold in the Liver channel — the most specific herb
2. Cold-type vomiting, nausea and hiccup — particularly with acid regurgitation
3. Diarrhoea from Spleen-Kidney Yang deficiency — particularly pre-dawn ('cock crow') diarrhoea
4. Dysmenorrhoea from Cold Liver channel — the Liver channel passes through the genitals
5. Hypertension — small amounts of Wu Zhu Yu powder applied to Yongquan (KD 1) is a classical external treatment

4. Key formulas containing Wú Zhū Yú

Wú Zhū Yú appears in the following key formulas:

• Zuo Jin Wan
• Si Shen Wan

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

5. Modern research

Tetradium ruticarpum (Wu Zhu Yu, Evodia) contains some of the most pharmacologically unique alkaloids in the Materia Medica. Key bioactive constituents include rutaecarpine, evodiamine, evocarpine and hydroxyevodiamine. Research confirms significant cardiovascular effects — evodiamine and rutaecarpine activate TRPV1 receptors producing thermogenic and vasodilatory effects; paradoxically, despite being a hot herb, it lowers blood pressure via vasodilation. Antinauseant properties are well documented. Evodiamine has significant anti-cancer activity in multiple cancer cell lines. Wu Zhu Yu is used in very small doses (1.5-4.5g) due to its hot, acrid, irritating nature. Combined with Huang Lian in Zuo Jin Wan (the classical 6:1 ratio formula) it treats Liver Fire invading the Stomach with nausea and acid reflux.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Use only in small doses — excessive amounts cause toxic effects including nausea, vomiting and vision disturbance. Contraindicated in Yin deficiency with Heat, excess Fire and haemorrhagic conditions. Not recommended during pregnancy. One of the few Chinese herbs where exceeding the dose carries a genuine risk.

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 Wú Zhū Yú as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Digestive disorders, Headaches, High blood pressure. 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.

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