What are the efficacy and effects of Evodia rutaecarpa?

Wu Zhu Yu is generally believed to have various medicinal effects and functions, including warming the middle burner and dispelling cold, relieving pain, warming the spleen and stopping diarrhea, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions, as well as opening the orifices and refreshing the mind. If in doubt, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional in advance. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Warming the Middle Burner and Dispelling Cold

Wu Zhu Yu is warm in nature, with a pungent and bitter taste, and acts on the liver, spleen, and stomach meridians. It can warm the middle burner and dispel cold, providing relief for symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea caused by deficiency-cold of the spleen and stomach. By warming the spleen and stomach and eliminating internal cold, it promotes blood and qi circulation, thereby achieving the effect of warming the middle and dispelling cold.

2. Pain Relief

The essential oil components in Wu Zhu Yu can dilate blood vessels, improve blood circulation, and reduce inflammatory responses. This helps alleviate various types of pain, especially joint pain, headaches, and toothaches caused by cold-dampness.

3. Warming the Spleen and Stopping Diarrhea

With its pungent and hot properties, Wu Zhu Yu warms the spleen and benefits the kidneys, enhancing yang energy of the spleen and kidney, thus helping to stop diarrhea through supporting yang. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as chronic diarrhea and "five o'clock diarrhea" (early morning diarrhea) due to yang deficiency of the spleen and kidney, and has a regulatory effect on intestinal function.

4. Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Effects

Wu Zhu Yu can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and pathogenic microorganisms. In topical applications, it can be combined with other herbs to treat skin disorders such as eczema and sores, helping to suppress the proliferation of dermatophytic fungi.

5. Opening the Orifices and Refreshing the Mind

The volatile oil substances in Wu Zhu Yu stimulate the central nervous system, promote blood circulation, and enhance brain activity. Appropriate use of Wu Zhu Yu may help relieve fatigue, improve concentration, and enhance mental well-being.

Dosage should be strictly controlled during use. Overuse of Wu Zhu Yu may lead to toxic reactions, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, blurred vision, chest tightness, and headache.