Wu Zhu Yu Tang (Evodia Decoction)

Sub-Category:

• Formulas that Warm the Channels and Disperse Cold

Pattern:

• Middle Jiao Cold (ST) from deficiency with Liver or Kidney Channel Cold

Actions:

• Tonifies and warms the Liver and Stomach
• Descends rebellious Stomach Qi and stops vomiting.

Indications:

• Stomach Cold with rebellious Qi: Immediate nausea and vomiting after eating, acid reflux, abdominal or epigastric pain or fullness, and gnawing hunger
• Jue Yin Channel Cold (Liver): Vertex headache, dry heaves, or spitting of clear fluids.
• Shao Yin Channel Cold (Kidney): Watery diarrhea and vomiting with cold hands and feet. Severe mental agitation.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

• Pale with a white slippery coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

• Wiry slow pulse
• Weak pulse

Western Uses:

• Acute and Chronic Gastritis
• Cholecystitis
• Morning Sickness
• Neurogenic Headache
• Meniere's Disease
• Hypertension
• Trigeminal Neuralgia

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

• Do not use in cases of acid regurgitation or vomiting due to heat
• In cases of severe vomiting, this formula should be taken at room temperature to help prevent vomiting of the formula.
• Possible side effects of this formula include dizziness, headache, and chest discomfort.
• This formula contains one or more toxic substances (while some Chinese herbs are toxic, it must be noted that many come prepared, or are combined, to mitigate their toxicity).

Preparation Notes:

• Decoction. Modern dosage is usually decreased to protect the middle burner.
• Dang Shen can be substituted for Ren Shen with 2-3 times the dosage, and Da Zao is usually decreased to 4 pieces.

Originally Appeared In:

• On Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

• Stomach, Spleen, Kidneys, Liver, Lungs

Substances in this Formula (4 Total):

	Wu Zhu Yu (Evodia Fruit) 吴茱萸 Qty: 9-12 grams Chan: KI, LIV, SP, ST Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Hot, Slightly Toxic, Very Dry Latin: Fructus Evodiae Rutaecarpae Cat: Herbs that Warm the Interior and Expel Cold
	Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome) 生姜 Qty: 18 grams Chan: LU, SP, ST Prop: Spicy, Warm Latin: uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis Cat: Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
	Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) 人参 Qty: 9 grams Chan: LU, SP Prop: Sweet, Slightly Bitter, Slightly Warm Latin: Radix Ginseng Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
	Da Zao (Date, Jujube) 大枣 Qty: 12 pieces Chan: SP, ST Prop: Sweet, Warm Latin: Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi