Botanical Overview
Tetradium ruticarpum, also known as Euodia or Wu Zhu Yu, belongs to the Rutaceae family. Its ripe fruit is the commonly used medicinal part. The plant is native to East Asia, including China, Korea, and Japan, and is widely utilized in traditional Chinese medicine.
Energetics
This herb is considered warming and drying in nature, with bitter and pungent tastes. It has an ascending and descending directionality with tonifying properties, primarily influencing the qi energy.
Primary Actions
- Analgesic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Digestive stimulant
- Vasodilator
Indications
Western
- Abdominal pain
- Indigestion
- Dysmenorrhea
- Headache
- Hypertension
Syndromes
TCM
- Epigastric pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Cold sensation in abdomen
- Menstrual cramps
Syndromes
- Liver Qi Stagnation
- Cold in Liver and Stomach
- Blood Stasis
Ayurveda
Syndromes
Unani
Syndromes
Constituents & Mechanisms
Contains alkaloids such as evodiamine, rutaecarpine, and rutecarpine alongside flavonoids. These constituents contribute to analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction 3-9 g daily
- Powder 1-3 g 1-2 times daily
- Extract standardized to evodiamine content
Safety & Contraindications
Should be used cautiously during pregnancy and lactation due to potential uterine stimulation. Possible interactions with antihypertensive, anticoagulant, and sedative medications. Avoid overdosing to prevent gastrointestinal irritation or toxicity.
Astrological Correspondences
Planetary and elemental rulers are not reliably established for this plant in traditional sources.
Selected References
- Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica by Bensky, Clavey, and Stöger (2004)
- Euodia rutaecarpa and its bioactive constituents: A review (Peng et al., 2011)
- Pharmacological effects of Evodia rutaecarpa and its bioactive ingredients in cardiovascular system (Lee & Lee, 2012)