Homers Herbs

What can we help you with?
< All Topics
Print

Evodia (Evodia rutaecarpa)

Botanical Information

  • Family: Rutaceae
  • Common Names: Evodia, Wu Zhu Yu (Chinese), Tetradium Fruit
  • Parts Used: Fruit (dried, unripe berries)

Description

Evodia rutaecarpa is a deciduous tree native to China and Korea, traditionally used in Chinese medicine for digestive, circulatory, and analgesic purposes. The fruit contains powerful alkaloids and essential oils that contribute to its warming and pain-relieving properties.

Historical and Traditional Uses

  • Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for digestive disorders and stomach pain.
  • Historically employed to improve circulation and relieve cold conditions.
  • Applied as a warming herb to dispel cold and dampness from the body.
  • Used externally for headaches and joint pain.

Constituents

  • Alkaloids (evodiamine, rutaecarpine)
  • Essential oils (limonene, dehydroevodiamine)
  • Flavonoids
  • Tannins
  • Volatile oils

Actions

  • Carminative (relieves bloating and gas)
  • Analgesic (pain-relieving)
  • Circulatory stimulant
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antimicrobial
  • Antispasmodic
  • Thermogenic (generates warmth)

Medicinal Uses

1. Digestive Disorders:
Traditionally used to relieve bloating, nausea, vomiting, and poor digestion due to cold in TCM.

2. Circulatory Support:
Stimulates blood flow, helping conditions related to poor circulation and cold extremities.

3. Pain Relief:
Used to alleviate headaches, stomach cramps, and menstrual pain.

4. Anti-Inflammatory Benefits:
Contains compounds that help reduce inflammation in digestive and musculoskeletal conditions.

5. Antimicrobial Properties:
Used for bacterial and parasitic infections in traditional medicine.

Preparation and Dosage

Decoction (Tea):

  • 3-6 grams of dried fruit per 3 cups of water; simmered for 20 minutes and consumed warm.

Tincture:

  • 1-3 ml taken up to twice daily.

Powdered Extract:

  • 250-500 mg per dose, taken with warm water or tea.

Topical Application:

  • Infused oil or poultice applied to sore muscles and joints.

Precautions and Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Not recommended due to its stimulating effects on the uterus.
  • Hypertension: May increase blood pressure; use cautiously if hypertensive.
  • Heat Conditions: Avoid in individuals with excessive heat symptoms in TCM.
  • Medication Interactions: May interact with blood thinners and blood pressure medications.

Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

  • Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Warm and acrid; enters the Spleen, Stomach, Liver, and Kidney meridians. Used to expel cold and regulate Qi.
  • Traditional Western Herbalism: Considered a warming stimulant, useful for circulation and digestion.
  • Ayurveda: Primarily balances Vata and Kapha, but may aggravate Pitta in excess.

Combinations

  • For Digestive Support: Combine with ginger and fennel.
  • For Circulatory Enhancement: Combine with cinnamon and ginseng.
  • For Pain Relief: Combine with turmeric and white willow bark.

Harvesting and Storage

  • Harvesting: Fruits are collected in late summer before full ripening and dried for medicinal use.
  • Drying: Air dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
  • Storage: Store dried fruit in an airtight container away from moisture and light.

Modern Research

Studies confirm Evodia rutaecarpa’s anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and circulation-enhancing properties, reinforcing its traditional applications.

Evodia remains a powerful herb in traditional and modern herbal medicine, particularly for digestive health, circulation, and pain relief.