Evodia Fructus

Aliases: Tea Pepper, Hot Pepper, Stinky Hot Pepper.

Taste and Energetic Properties: Pungent, Bitter, Hot.

Channel Affinity: Liver, Spleen, Stomach, Kidney Meridians.

Medicinal Part: The dried, nearly mature fruit of the plant.

Morphological Characteristics: Evodia Fructus presents as spherical or slightly pentagonal-flattened spherical, typically 2-5mm in diameter. Its surface ranges from dark yellowish-green to brown, feeling rough to the touch, and features numerous dotted protrusions or concave oil glands. A characteristic five-pointed star-shaped fissure marks the apex, while the base retains a pedicel covered with yellowish downy hairs. The texture is hard and brittle. A cross-section reveals five locules, each containing a single pale-yellow seed. It emits a strong, rich aromatic scent and has a pungent, spicy, and bitter taste.

Evodia Fructus traditional Chinese herb

Dosage and Administration of Evodia Fructus

Internal Administration: For decoctions, use 0.5-2 qian (approx. 1.5-6 grams); or incorporate into pills and powders.

External Application: Steam and apply as a hot compress, grind into a powder for topical application, or decoct in water for washing affected areas.

Traditional Processing Methods:

  1. Unprocessed Evodia Fructus: Simply remove impurities.
  2. Processed Evodia Fructus (Zhi Wu Zhu Yu): Crush licorice root, add an appropriate amount of water, and decoct to remove the dregs. Add clean Evodia Fructus, allow it to soak and fully absorb the liquid. Stir-fry until slightly dry, then remove and dry completely. (For every 100 kg of Evodia Fructus, use 6 kg of licorice root.)
  3. Baked Evodia Fructus (Zhi Wu Zhu Yu): Decoct licorice root, remove the dregs to obtain the liquid. Add clean Evodia Fructus and soak until all the liquid is absorbed. Bake over low heat until dry. (For every 100 jin (approx. 50 kg) of Evodia Fructus, use 6 jin and 4 liang (approx. 3.1 kg) of licorice root.)

Actions and Indications of Evodia Fructus

Actions: It disperses cold and alleviates pain, calms rebellious Qi and stops vomiting, and supports Yang energy to stop diarrhea.

Main Indications: Used for Jueyin headaches (a specific type of headache in TCM), abdominal pain due to cold stagnation (often associated with hernias), leg weakness and pain caused by cold-dampness, menstrual cramps, epigastric and abdominal distension and pain, vomiting with sour regurgitation (acid reflux), and early morning diarrhea.

Pharmacological Actions:

① Anthelmintic Action: Evodia Fructus alcohol extract demonstrates significant anthelmintic effects against porcine roundworms (Ascaris suum) in vitro. It is also effective against earthworms and leeches.

② Antibacterial Action: A 100% decoction of Evodia Fructus shows strong inhibitory activity against Vibrio cholerae (tested via the agar well diffusion method). A 10% aqueous extract inhibits Epidermophyton floccosum in test tubes. A 1:3 aqueous extract inhibits 11 types of dermatophytes, including Microsporum audouinii, to varying degrees.

③ Central Nervous System Effects: Large doses of Evodia Fructus can cause central nervous system excitation, potentially leading to visual impairment and illusions. An alcohol extract of Evodia Fructus from Japan exhibits analgesic effects. Studies using rabbit dental pulp electrical stimulation showed that intravenous injection of 0.1-0.5 mL/kg of a 10% alcohol extract had analgesic activity. At 0.2 mL, its analgesic potency was approximately equivalent to antipyrine or aminopyrine (both at 1%, 2 mL), and even stronger in cold conditions. Isoevodiamine hydrochloride (0.1%, 0.1-0.5 mL/kg) also showed analgesic effects in rabbits; 1-2 mL/kg could slightly raise rabbit body temperature. A 10% alcohol extract from other Evodia species (0.5-2.0 mL) also increased rabbit body temperature. An alkaloid isolated from another Evodia species, Evodia xanthoxyloides F.Muell, had sedative-hypnotic effects in mice but caused a decrease in body temperature in rats. It also countered convulsions induced by camphor in rats and mice.

④ Other Pharmacological Actions: A 10% alcohol extract from Evodia species, when injected into rabbits (0.5-1.0 mL), caused a transient and slight increase in blood pressure, mild respiratory excitation, and increased carotid artery blood flow. Isoevodiamine hydrochloride (0.1%, 0.2-0.5 mL/kg intravenously) showed no significant change in rabbit blood pressure but slightly increased respiration. Its effect on isolated frog hearts was not obvious at 0.02-0.1%. In frog hindlimb vascular perfusion, it generally showed an initial dilation followed by constriction. On isolated rabbit intestines, it initially caused brief excitation followed by paralysis; on isolated rabbit uteri, it initially showed excitatory effects. Evoxine has low toxicity, with an LD50 of 705 mg/kg (subcutaneous injection) and 135 mg/kg (intravenous injection) in mice. Components of Evodia Fructus, such as evodia lactone, evodiamine, rutaecarpine, and isoevodiamine, exhibit similar analgesic, body temperature-raising, and mild respiratory and blood pressure-modulating effects. Rutaecarpine, a breakdown product of dehydroevodiamine, has strong uterine contraction effects. Evodiamine also shows anti-Columbia SK virus activity in mice.

Alkaloids isolated from E. xanthoxyloides, similar to skimmianine, can enhance the effects of adrenaline, increase the excitability of spinal reflexes, relax small intestinal smooth muscle, and increase skeletal muscle tone, thus showing some similarities to the actions of ephedrine.

Contraindications of Evodia Fructus

Evodia Fructus is pungent, hot, and highly drying, meaning it can easily deplete body fluids and generate internal heat or "fire." Therefore, it should not be used in large doses or for extended periods.

Safety Alert: Individuals with Yin deficiency and signs of heat should avoid this herb. Pregnant women should exercise extreme caution and consult their healthcare provider before use. Evodia Fructus contains compounds that can be mildly toxic if misused. It is crucial to adhere strictly to recommended dosages and consult a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Compatibility of Evodia Fructus

1. Wu Zhu Yu Tang (Evodia Fructus Decoction) from "Treatise on Cold Damage": Used in conjunction with fresh ginger, ginseng, and other herbs, it treats Jueyin headaches, dry heaving with frothy saliva, a pale tongue coating, and a slow pulse.

2. Dao Qi Tang (Guiding Qi Decoction) from "Yi Fang Jian Yi": Combined with fennel, Toosendan Fructus (Sichuan Chinaberry fruit), and Costus root, it treats abdominal pain due to cold stagnation and hernias.

3. Ji Ming San (Crowing Rooster Powder) from "Lei Bian Zhu Shi Ji Yan Yi Fang": Paired with papaya, Perilla leaf, areca nut, and other herbs, it addresses leg weakness and pain caused by cold-dampness, especially when it ascends into the abdomen.

Traditional Formulas Featuring Evodia Fructus

  1. To treat rebellious Kidney Qi causing incessant hiccups, where Qi surges from the abdomen to the throat, causing breathlessness for dozens of cycles: Wu Zhu Yu (vinegar-fried), Tangerine Peel, Aconite Root (peeled), each 30g. Grind into a fine powder, form into pills the size of Wutong seeds with flour paste. Take 70 pills with ginger decoction. (From "Ren Cun Tang's Experienced Formulas")
  2. To treat "vinegar heart," where sour Qi attacks like concentrated vinegar: Evodia Fructus 1 he (approx. 100ml). Decoct with three cups of water until seven-tenths remain, take all at once. Even if strong, one must try to drink it. (From "Bing Bu Shou Ji Fang")
  3. To treat post-meal acid regurgitation due to Stomach Qi deficiency-cold: Wu Zhu Yu (soaked in hot water seven times, dried), dried ginger (processed), equal parts. Grind into a powder, take 3g with hot water. (From "Shenghui Fang")
  4. To treat Liver Fire: Coptis root 180g, Wu Zhu Yu 30g or 15g. Grind into a powder, form into pills with water or steamed cake. Take 50 pills with plain hot water. (From "Dan Xi Xin Fa," Zuo Jin Wan, also known as Hui Ling Wan)
  5. To treat vomiting with chest fullness, dry heaving with frothy saliva, and headache: Wu Zhu Yu 1 sheng (approx. 1 liter), ginseng 90g, fresh ginger 180g, jujube dates 12 pieces. Decoct these four ingredients with 5 sheng of water until 3 sheng remain. Take 7 fen (approx. 210ml) warm, three times a day. (From "Jin Gui Yao Lue," Wu Zhu Yu Tang)
  6. To treat head wind (headache): Wu Zhu Yu 3 sheng. Decoct with 5 sheng of water until 3 sheng remain. Use cotton to wipe the hair roots. (From "Qian Jin Yi Fang")
  7. To treat phlegm-fluid induced headache, cold back, vomiting sour liquid, unable to eat for several days, recurring every ten days: Wu Zhu Yu (soaked in hot water seven times), Poria, equal parts. Grind into a powder, form into pills the size of Wutong seeds with refined honey. Take 50 pills with hot water. (From "Zhu Shi Ji Yan Fang")
  8. To treat chronic Spleen diarrhea, common in the elderly, known as "water and earth transforming together": Wu Zhu Yu 9g. After soaking, decoct the liquid, add a pinch of salt, and take it orally. This is because Evodia Fructus warms the bladder; once the water passages are clear, the large intestine naturally consolidates. Other warming herbs cannot separate clear and turbid as effectively. (From "Ren Cun Tang's Experienced Formulas")
  9. To treat the Spleen affected by dampness, causing continuous diarrhea, undigested food particles, and sharp abdominal pain; also effective for childhood malnutrition with dysentery: Coptis root (removed fibrous roots), Wu Zhu Yu (removed stems, stir-fried), White Peony root, each 150g. Grind into a fine powder, form into pills the size of Wutong seeds with flour paste. Take 20 pills with thick rice decoction, on an empty stomach, three times a day. (From "Ju Fang," Wu Ji Wan)
  10. To treat beriberi ascending into the abdomen, causing extreme distress and abdominal distension: Wu Zhu Yu 6 sheng, papaya 2 pieces (sliced). Decoct these two ingredients with 1 dou 3 sheng (approx. 13 liters) of water until 3 sheng remain. Take in three divided doses, with an interval equivalent to walking ten li. This may induce vomiting, sweating, diarrhea, or a strong hot sensation, after which recovery occurs. (From "Qian Jin Fang," Su Chang Shi Zhu Yu Tang)
  11. To treat leg pain due to beriberi, similar to wind-damp obstruction, causing unbearable leg and foot pain, with swollen tendons and veins: Areca nut 7 pieces, Tangerine Peel (removed white pith), papaya, each 30g, Wu Zhu Yu, Perilla leaf, each 9g, Platycodon root (removed fibrous roots), fresh ginger (with skin), each 15g. Finely chop, decoct with water. On the second day, before dawn, divide into 3-5 doses and take cold. In winter, slightly warm before taking. (From "Zheng Zhi Zhun Sheng," Ji Ming San)
  12. To treat chronic or recent small intestinal hernia, characterized by unilateral pain, testicular pain, cramping below the navel, leading to distress, and external scrotum hardening and swelling, with dampness and itching: Wu Zhu Yu (removed branches and stems) 500g (125g soaked in wine, 125g soaked in vinegar, 125g soaked in hot water, 125g soaked in boy's urine, each for one night, then dried together), Alisma root (removed dirt) 60g. Grind into a fine powder, form into pills the size of Wutong seeds with wine-cooked flour paste. Take 50 pills on an empty stomach before meals, with salt water or wine. (From "Ju Fang," Duo Ming Dan)
  13. To treat childhood scrotal retraction (caused by cold exposure at birth): Wu Zhu Yu, sulfur, each 15g. Grind with garlic and apply to the abdomen. Additionally, fumigate with a smoke from Cnidium Monnieri seeds. (From "Shenghui Fang")
  14. To treat oral sores and canker sores: Wu Zhu Yu powder, mix with vinegar, apply to the soles of the feet. Also treats sore throat. (From "Bin Hu Ji Jian Fang")
  15. To treat toothache: Decoct Evodia Fructus in wine and hold in the mouth as a rinse. (From "Shi Liao Ben Cao")
  16. To treat eczema: Stir-fried Wu Zhu Yu 30g, Cuttlebone 21g, Sulfur 6g. Grind all into a fine powder for later use. For eczema with profuse exudation, sprinkle dry powder; for those without exudation, mix with castor oil or lard and apply, every other day. After application, bandage with gauze. (From "Quan Zhan Xuan Bian – Pi Fu Ke")
  17. To treat damp, itchy sores in the lower body/genital area: Wu Zhu Yu 1 sheng, water 3 sheng. Decoct three to five times, remove dregs, and wash the sores. Also treats various other sores. (From "Gu Jin Lu Yan Fang")
  18. For stroke (facial paralysis, difficulty speaking): Use Evodia Fructus 1 sheng, fermented soybeans (Jiang Chi) 3 sheng, clear wine 5 sheng. Decoct together several times, cool, then take 0.5 sheng per dose, three times a day. Slight sweating indicates recovery.
  19. For generalized itching: Use Evodia Fructus 1 sheng, add wine 5 sheng, decoct until 1.5 sheng remains. While warm, use to wipe the body; itching will stop.
  20. For cold-induced illness in winter: Decoct Evodia Fructus 15g in water and take until sweating occurs.
  21. For vomiting, chest fullness, and headache: Use Evodia Fructus 1 sheng, jujube dates 20 pieces, fresh ginger 30g, ginseng 30g. Decoct with 5 sheng of water until 3 sheng remain. Take 7 fen per dose, twice a day. This formula is called "Wu Zhu Yu Tang."
  22. For cold pain in the chest and abdomen: Use Evodia Fructus 0.5 sheng, add wine 3 sheng, decoct, and take in three divided doses.
  23. For small intestinal hernia (unilateral pain, testicular swelling and hardening, dampness and itching in the genital area): Use Evodia Fructus (removed stems) 500g, divided into four portions. 125g soaked in wine, 125g in vinegar, 125g in boiling water, 125g in boy's urine. After one night, remove all and dry. Add Alisma root 60g, grind into a powder, and form into pills the size of Wutong seeds with wine-mixed flour. Take 50 pills on an empty stomach with salt water or wine. This formula is named "Duo Ming Dan" (Life-Saving Elixir) or "Xing Dou Wan."
  24. For female infertility due to uterine cold, chronic inability to conceive: Use Evodia Fructus, Sichuan Pepper, each 1 sheng. Grind into a powder, form into pills the size of a bullet with refined honey. Wrap in cotton and insert into the vagina to open the uterus, which may facilitate conception.
  25. For Stomach Qi deficiency-cold with sour regurgitation: Soak Evodia Fructus in boiling water seven times, remove and dry. Add processed dried ginger, equal parts, grind into a powder. Take 3g per dose with hot water.
  26. For muscle cramps migrating to the abdomen: Use stir-fried Evodia Fructus 60g, add two bowls of wine, decoct until one bowl remains. Take in two divided doses. Recovery occurs upon defecation.
  27. For chronic watery diarrhea in the elderly: Use Evodia Fructus 9g. After soaking, remove, decoct with water, add a pinch of salt, and take.
  28. For red and white dysentery (Spleen and Stomach affected by dampness, diarrhea with abdominal pain, undigested food): Use Evodia Fructus, Coptis root, White Peony root, each 30g. Stir-fry together, grind into a powder, and form into pills the size of Wutong seeds with steamed cake. Take 20-30 pills with rice decoction on an empty stomach, three times a day. This formula is named "Wu Ji Wan." Another formula: Use Sichuan Coptis root 60g, Evodia Fructus 60g (soaked in hot water seven times). Stir-fry until fragrant separately, then grind into powders. Form Coptis root powder into pills with millet rice, and Evodia Fructus powder into pills with millet rice, both the size of Wutong seeds, store for later use. Take 30 pills per dose. For red dysentery, take Coptis root pills with licorice decoction; for white dysentery, take Evodia Fructus pills with dried ginger decoction; for red and white dysentery, take 15 pills of each with rice decoction. This formula is named "Bian Tong Wan." Another formula: Use Evodia Fructus 60g, Coptis root 60g. Stir-fry together until fragrant, then grind into separate powders. Mix 60g of soot from burning herbs with rice and Coptis root to form pills; mix 60g of White Peony root powder with rice and Evodia Fructus to form pills, both the size of Wutong seeds, store for later use. Take 50 pills per dose. For red dysentery, take Coptis-soot pills with Ume plum decoction; for white dysentery, take Evodia-Peony pills with rice decoction; for red and white dysentery, take 25 pills of each. This formula is named "Er Se Wan."
  29. For abdominal masses: Pound Evodia Fructus 1 sheng until crushed, mix with wine and decoct. Remove, wrap in a soft cloth, and apply as a hot compress to the mass. When it cools, reheat and reapply. If the mass moves, move the compress with it until the mass disappears.
  30. For toothache: Decoct Evodia Fructus in wine and hold in the mouth as a rinse.
  31. For urticaria or wind-rash in children and adults: Decoct Evodia Fructus in wine and apply topically.
  32. For carbuncles and boils on the back: Pound Evodia Fructus 1 sheng into powder, mix with bitter wine (vinegar), spread on a cloth, and apply to the affected area.
  33. For unusual illness with alternating chills and fever (persistent chills and fever, after several days limbs become hard as stone, sounding like metal when tapped, gradual emaciation): Decoct equal parts of Evodia Fructus and Costus root, take orally.

Related Discussions on Evodia Fructus

1. "Bencao Yan Yi" (Expanded Materia Medica): "Evodia Fructus descends Qi most rapidly. For individuals with intestinal deficiency, taking it will exacerbate their condition."

2. "Bencao Gangmu" (Compendium of Materia Medica): "Evodia Fructus, being pungent and hot, can disperse and warm; being bitter and hot, it can dry and firm. Therefore, the conditions it treats all leverage its actions of dispelling cold, warming the Middle Jiao, drying dampness, and resolving stagnation. For sores in the throat and mouth, mix Evodia Fructus powder with vinegar and apply to the soles of both feet; it will heal overnight. Although its nature is hot, it can guide heat downwards. This is an example of treating symptoms by their nature, and the assertion that Evodia Fructus only ascends and does not descend seems incorrect. There are cases where children with smallpox who cannot open their mouths had one or two Evodia Fructus fruits chewed and applied, and their mouths immediately opened, which also utilizes its pungent dispersing action."

Can Pregnant and Nursing Mothers Use Evodia Fructus?

Evodia Fructus contains mildly toxic compounds. While an infant's internal organs are developed, they remain delicate. Therefore, unless specifically prescribed and deemed necessary by a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, it is generally advised against for nursing mothers. Pregnant women should exercise extreme caution and consult their healthcare provider before use due to its potent properties and potential to generate heat.

Dietary Recipes Featuring Evodia Fructus

1. Evodia Fructus Soup (Wu Zhu Yu Tang)

Ingredients: 4 jujube dates, 18g fresh ginger, 9g ginseng root, 9g Evodia Fructus.

Preparation: Place all ingredients into a pot, add 1 liter of water, and decoct until 400ml remains. Strain to remove dregs and collect the liquid. Drink 100ml three times daily.

Benefits: Calms rebellious Qi and stops vomiting, warms the Middle Jiao and tonifies the Spleen. This soup is used to treat headaches and dry heaving caused by Spleen and Stomach cold deficiency or the counterflow of cold Qi in the Liver meridian.

2. Evodia Fructus Congee (Wu Zhu Yu Zhou)

Ingredients: 2 slices fresh ginger, half a white part of scallion, 50g Japonica rice, 2g Evodia Fructus.

Preparation: Wash the Japonica rice and cook it into a congee with water. Grind Evodia Fructus into a fine powder. Once the rice is cooked, add the Evodia Fructus powder, scallion white, and fresh ginger to the pot and cook until thoroughly done. This completes the Evodia Fructus Congee. Consume daily, morning and evening, for a course of 3-5 days.

Benefits: Relieves pain and stops vomiting, opens orifices and dispels stagnation, warms the Middle Jiao and disperses cold, tonifies the Spleen and warms the Stomach.

Quick TCM Check: 3-Second Self-Test + 30-Second Self-Relief

If you're experiencing persistent cold abdominal pain, especially around the navel, or early morning diarrhea, then observe your tongue: is it pale with a thick, white coating? Also, gently press around your navel; does the pain feel better with warmth or pressure?

If these signs resonate, immediately consider discussing these symptoms with a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner. For temporary relief while awaiting professional advice, try applying a warm compress to your abdomen and sip on some ginger tea. This might help warm your Middle Jiao and alleviate discomfort, but always remember, this is a temporary measure, and professional guidance is key for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References

  • A comprehensive review on the chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and clinical applications of Evodia rutaecarpa. PMID: 32087547
  • Pharmacological studies on Evodia rutaecarpa (Juss.) Benth. focusing on its gastrointestinal effects. PMID: 25039130
  • A comprehensive review of the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and traditional uses of Evodia rutaecarpa (Juss.) Benth. PMID: 29997972

For informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) before use.