Eleutherococcus senticosus

Eleutherococcus senticosus

　　It grows in mountain forests and roadside thickets, and is often cultivated in medicinal herb gardens. It is distributed across Central China, East China, South China, and Southwest China. The root bark dispels wind-dampness, strengthens muscles and bones, and can be soaked in alcohol to make Wujiapi wine (or prepared as Wujiapi powder). The root bark contains volatile oils, tannins, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, and vitamins A and B1.

Eleutherococcus senticosus is listed in the “Shennong Bencao Jing” (The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica) as a top-grade herb. Top-grade herbs are considered non-toxic, and long-term consumption can lighten the body, prolong life, and do no harm. Since ancient times, Eleutherococcus senticosus has been regarded as an excellent medicine that nourishes essence, replenishes marrow, and combats aging. Its commercial name is Wujia Shen, originally mainly produced in the mountainous regions of Heilongjiang Province. It is locally known by the folk name “Laohu Liao,” called “Ezo Eleutherococcus” in Japan, and referred to as “Siberian Ginseng” in the former Soviet Union.

In the Ming Dynasty, Li Shizhen’s “Compendium of Materia Medica” described Eleutherococcus senticosus, stating that the best variety has five interlocking leaves, hence the name “Wu Jia” (five branches), also known as “Wu Hua.” Wu Jia treats wind-dampness, strengthens muscles and bones, and has profound efficacy. “Rather have a handful of Wu Jia than a cart full of gold and jade,” and the saying “Wine composed of writings forms its flavor; gold is spent on grass without mentioning its worth,” both speak highly of Eleutherococcus senticosus.

The “Mingyi Bielu” (Supplementary Records of Famous Physicians) states that Wu Jia has effects such as “nourishing the middle, benefiting essence, strengthening muscles and bones, and fortifying willpower.”

Eleutherococcus senticosus is recorded in the book “Practical Tonifying and Nourishing Chinese Herbs” as a qi-tonifying herb. It has the effect of tonifying deficiency and supporting weakness, can be used to prevent or treat symptoms of physical frailty, and serves to nourish, strengthen, and prolong life.