Can Evodiae Fructus and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata be used together?
Apr 07, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
In traditional Chinese medicine theory, Evodiae Fructus (Wuzhuyu) is warm in property and pungent in taste, and has the functions of warming the middle jiao to dispel cold and relieving pain. Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Heishunpian) is strongly hot in property, and has effects of restoring yang to rescue from collapse, and supplementing fire to assist yang. Both of these herbs are categorized as warming and hot-natured medicinal materials, commonly used for treating cold syndromes. They may be indicated for patients presenting with marked internal excess of cold-dampness, spleen and stomach cold deficiency symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, cold pain in the四肢 (four limbs), etc.
Evodia and Prepared Aconite Root can generally be used together; however, it is recommended to use these herbs according to medical advice. If any discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is advised.
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, Evodia is warm in nature and pungent in taste, with functions of warming the middle jiao to dispel cold and relieving pain. Prepared Aconite Root is very hot in nature and has effects of restoring yang to counteract collapse and supplementing fire to enhance yang energy. Both of these herbs are categorized as warming herbs and are commonly used for treating cold conditions. If a patient presents with clear symptoms of excessive internal cold-dampness or spleen-stomach cold deficiency, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, cold pain in the limbs, and TCM syndrome differentiation confirms suitability for using these two herbs, Evodia and Prepared Aconite Root can be used together to enhance the effects of warming the middle jiao to dispel cold and restoring yang to counteract collapse.
In TCM clinical practice, Evodia and Prepared Aconite Root are often combined in herbal formulas, such as modified Wu Zhu Yu Tang (Evodia Decoction) combined with Si Ni Tang (Four Reversal Decoction) for treating chronic insomnia due to cold. In this formula, Evodia and Prepared Aconite Root, together with other herbs, work together to warm yang energy, dispel cold, nourish deficiency, and relieve pain, and are used for treating insomnia caused by yang deficiency and cold coagulation. Additionally, these two herbs are often combined in other formulas to enhance therapeutic effects.
When decocting the herbs, it is important to follow the instructions provided by a physician or the medication's package insert to ensure the full release of active ingredients. Attention should be paid to dosage control, contraindicated populations, and methods of decoction to ensure safe and effective medication use.
