Formula Formulas that warm the middle and dispel Cold

Wu Zhu Yu Tang

吴茱萸汤

Also known as:

Evodia Decoction

Formula Composition

Wu Zhu Yu
Wu Zhu Yu
Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang
Ren Shen
Ren Shen
Da Zao
Da Zao
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistant
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Warms and tonifies the Liver and Stomach
  2. Directs Rebellious Qi downward
  3. Stops vomiting

Patterns Treated

Stomach Yang Deficient and Cold, Cold invading the Stomach

Historical Origin

Discussion of Cold Damage (220 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Wu Zhu Yu Tang

Main Actions

Warms and tonifies the Liver and Stomach
Directs Rebellious Qi downward
Stops vomiting

Key TCM Concepts

Wu Zhu Yu Tang is a 4-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Evodia Fruits (Wu Zhu Yu) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that warm the middle and dispel Cold. Its main actions are: 1) warms and tonifies the Liver and Stomach and 2) directs Rebellious Qi downward.

 

In Chinese Medicine health conditions are thought to arise due to "disharmonies" in the body as a system. These disharmonies are called "patterns" and the very purpose of herbal formulas is to fight them in order to restore the body's harmony.

 

In this case Wu Zhu Yu Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Stomach Yang Deficient and Cold or Cold invading the Stomach. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as acute gastroenteritis, cholecystitis or morning sickness for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Stomach Yang Deficient and Cold
  • Cold invading the Stomach

Common Applications

Acute gastroenteritis Cholecystitis Morning sickness Pyloric spasm Neurogenic headache Migraine headache Hypertension Trigeminal neuralgia Meniere's disease Eye fatigue Corneal ulcers Conjunctivitis Acute congestive glaucoma Recalcitrant hordeolum Acute gastritis Peptic ulcers Chronic hepatitis Bacillary dysentery Ulcerative colitis Chronic gastritis Recalitrant perimenopausal vomiting Chronic cholecystitis

Ingredients in Wu Zhu Yu Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Wu Zhu Yu Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Wu Zhu Yu
Wu Zhu Yu

Evodia fruits

Temperature Hot
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried nearly ripe fruit
Role in Wu Zhu Yu Tang
Wu Zhu Yu is acrid and hot and it enters the Liver, Stomach, and Spleen. It warms the Middle, disperses Cold, promotes the movement of Qi, and directs Rebellious Qi downward.
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Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang

Fresh ginger

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Fresh root
Role in Wu Zhu Yu Tang
Sheng Jiang helps the key herb accomplish task by warming Stomach and directing its Qi downward. Evodia fruit treats acid reflux due to Liver Cold accosting the Stomach in addition, its bitterness directs the Stomach Qi downward. Fresh ginger excels at dispersing clear Body Fluids from the Stomach . Together, the two herbs treat all aspects of vomiting due to Cold-Phlegm.
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Ren Shen
Ren Shen

Ginseng

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Wu Zhu Yu Tang
Ren Shen tonifies Qi by strengthening the Middle Burner. It also promotes the generation of Body Fluids and calms the Mind/Spirit. It is because severe vomiting damages the Spleen and Stomach, injures the Body Fluids, and disturbs the spirit.
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Da Zao
Da Zao

Jujube dates

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Wu Zhu Yu Tang
Da Zao is sweet and it moderates the acrid, drying properties of key herb and deputy herb. It also supports the Qi-tonifying action of the assistant herb.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Wu Zhu Yu Tang

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any TCM herbal formula.

Contraindications

For severe vomiting, taking the decoction cool may help it be kept down better. In rare cases, some patients may temporarily feel chest discomfort, dizziness, or a worsening headache after taking the decoction. These symptoms should go away as the decoction starts to work (usually within 30 minutes). The patient should rest after taking the decoction to minimize these side effects. This formula is contraindicated in cases with vomiting or acid reflux due to heat.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Wu Zhu Yu Tang may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.