What are the effects and benefits of茵芋?

Evodia rutaecarpa is the stem and leaf of a plant from the Rutaceae family. It typically has functions and effects such as dispelling wind and dampness, dispersing cold to relieve pain, relaxing tendons and promoting circulation, resolving phlegm and relieving cough, detoxifying and reducing swelling. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Dispelling Wind and Dampness: Evodia rutaecarpa can expel wind and dampness from the body. When wind-damp pathogens invade the body, causing symptoms such as joint pain, limited mobility, and muscle aches, Evodia rutaecarpa can help eliminate these pathogens from the body surface or meridians, alleviate bi syndrome pain, and restore flexibility and comfort to the joints and muscles.

2. Dispersing Cold to Relieve Pain: Evodia rutaecarpa can alleviate pain caused by cold pathogens, such as abdominal cold pain and dysmenorrhea. It warms the internal organs and meridians, dispels cold pathogens, reduces pain, promotes smooth circulation of qi and blood, thereby achieving analgesic effects and relieving discomfort caused by cold-induced pain.

3. Relaxing Tendons and Promoting Circulation: Evodia rutaecarpa helps relax tendons and improve circulation of the meridians. When meridian blockage causes symptoms such as limb numbness and spasms, it can promote the flow of qi and blood within the meridians, relieve tension in the tendons, enhance limb mobility, and be beneficial for improving various limb-related issues caused by poor meridian circulation.

4. Resolving Phlegm and Relieving Cough: Evodia rutaecarpa has certain efficacy in resolving phlegm. When phlegm accumulates in the lungs, causing symptoms such as coughing and sputum production, it can help thin the phlegm, promote its expulsion from the body, reduce coughing symptoms, improve breathing, and provide some relief for cough and excessive phlegm caused by respiratory diseases.

5. Detoxifying and Reducing Swelling: Evodia rutaecarpa can detoxify and aid in reducing swelling. When the body is affected by heat toxins or insect/snake bites, leading to symptoms such as local redness, swelling, and pain, it can neutralize toxins, reduce inflammatory reactions, gradually alleviate swelling, promote wound healing, and maintain localized health.

Evodia rutaecarpa is toxic and should be taken internally with caution. Pregnant women, individuals with weak constitutions, and other susceptible populations should avoid its use to prevent adverse reactions such as poisoning. It must be used under the guidance of a qualified physician.