Evodia rutaecarpa

Evodia rutaecarpa

　　Evodia rutaecarpa is a deciduous tree belonging to the genus Evodia of the Rutaceae family, and its dried fruit is used for medicinal purposes.

　　Evodia rutaecarpa is also known by various medicinal aliases such as Wuyu, Zuowei, Chunyouzi, and Qilazi. In commercial trade and medical prescriptions, it is commonly referred to by the alias Wuyu. Wuyu is mostly cultivated. According to the “Compendium of Materia Medica” by the renowned Ming Dynasty pharmacologist Li Shizhen, which cites the “Records of the Five Elements”: “Planting poplar and Evodia rutaecarpa in the east increases longevity and wards off harm.” Our province has a long history of cultivating Wuyu, mainly distributed in Tongren, Zunyi, and other areas. The yield and quality of Wuyu produced here rank first in the country.

　　Wuyu tastes bitter and pungent, has a strong nature, and is slightly toxic. It is a commonly used warming herb. Its primary functions are to warm the middle energizer, disperse cold, soothe the liver, and relieve pain. It is especially effective in treating epigastric cold pain, hiccups, acid regurgitation, vomiting, diarrhea, hernia pain, and dysmenorrhea. It is also quite ideal for external treatment of eye sores.

　　Wuyu is one of the famous authentic medicinal materials of Guizhou Province, sold domestically and also a traditional export commodity that holds an important position in the international market. It is mainly exported to Hong Kong, Macao, and Southeast Asian countries. (Zunyi)