Herbs Hub
Evodia (wu zhu yu), Tetradium ruticarpum. Botanical plate: Rutaceae sp SZ21
Plate: Rutaceae sp SZ21. Philipp Franz von Siebold and Joseph Gerhard Zuccarini. Public domain.

Evodia (wu zhu yu)

Tetradium ruticarpum · 吴茱萸

Herbs & Roots. Chinese Medicine.

Also called Wu zhu yu, Euodia fruit, Chinese evodia

Pinyin: Wú Zhū Yú

Toxic at high doses

The dried fruit of a citrus-family tree, used in Chinese medicine for stomach cold, vomiting, and menstrual cramps. It is toxic in high doses.

Did you know? Evodia is a tree in the citrus family, Rutaceae, and its fruit has a strong, sharp smell.

What it may help, and how strong the proof is

  • Nausea & upset stomach. Used to stop vomiting and nausea in tradition. Human trials are lacking.
    Traditional proof
  • Women's health. Used for menstrual cramps in tradition. Human trials are lacking.
    Traditional proof

Parts of the body

Stomach, Hormones & reproduction

Traditional use

Chinese medicine uses wu zhu yu to warm the stomach, stop vomiting, and ease pain from cold. It is also used for menstrual cramps.

How it is classified

Herbal actions
Carminative, Analgesic, Emmenagogue. Energy: warming.
Chinese medicine
吴茱萸 Warm the interior. Nature: hot. Flavour: pungent, bitter. Enters the Liver, Spleen, Stomach and Kidney channels.

How people take it

Traditional decoctions use about 2 to 5 grams. Higher doses are linked to stomach upset and other problems.

Decoction and powder.

Where to get it

Grown in China and parts of Asia. Sold as dried fruit, powder, and in patent medicines.

Be careful

Contains alkaloids that can be toxic at high doses. Large amounts can cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach upset. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding, because it may stimulate the uterus. Do not use large doses.

Avoid if: pregnancy; breastfeeding.

Mixing with other things

  • Works well together

    Zuo Jin Wan (Left Metal Pill) pairs coptis with evodia at about six to one for stomach heat with acid and vomiting.

  • Works well together

    Paired with ginseng in Wu Zhu Yu Tang (Evodia Decoction) for stomach cold and vomiting.

  • Works well together

    Paired with fresh ginger in Wu Zhu Yu Tang for stomach cold.

  • Works well together

    Paired with jujube in Wu Zhu Yu Tang to protect the stomach.

The honest take

Evodia is a real Chinese medicine herb for stomach cold and vomiting, but human trials are few. Its safety margin is narrower than many herbs, so keep doses small. Pregnant women should avoid it.