Steamed Evodia Fruit Whole (Evodia Rutaecarpa)

Steamed Evodia Fruit Whole (Evodia rutaecarpa) is the traditionally processed form of Evodia fruit, known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Wu Zhu Yu, a powerful warm herb used to dispel cold, move qi, alleviate pain, and guide fire downward. The steaming process reduces its natural harshness and toxicity while strengthening its ability to warm the middle burner, soothe the Liver and Stomach, and stop cold-induced vomiting or abdominal discomfort. Steamed Evodia is especially valued for treating cold congealing in the stomach, acid reflux, nausea, cold pain in the abdomen, hernia-type discomfort, and cold migraines that radiate upward from the vertex.

In TCM, Wu Zhu Yu is considered acrid, bitter, and hot, entering the Liver, Spleen, and Stomach channels. The steaming step harmonizes its strongly warming nature, making it more suitable for internal use and improving its ability to direct rebellious qi downward. It has long been used in formulas for cold-damp abdominal cramps, epigastric pain, bulging disorders, and chronic cold in the digestive tract. Its unique energetic action also allows it to warm the Liver channel, easing cold-induced menstrual or flank pain and helping relieve cold-type headaches.

Traditional processing enhances Evodia’s fragrance and penetrative warmth, allowing it to harmonize better with companion herbs such as ginger, licorice, ginseng, and peony in classical warming formulas.

Modern research shows that Evodia rutaecarpa contains evodiamine, rutaecarpine, limonin, and volatile oils, compounds with circulatory, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and digestive-regulating effects. These constituents support its long-standing use for pain from cold stagnation, gastrointestinal imbalance, and downward-directing qi disorders.

Each batch of Steamed Evodia Fruit Whole (Evodia rutaecarpa) is carefully processed through controlled steaming and drying cycles to preserve its rich aroma, deepened color, and softened pungency. When decocted, it produces a warm, aromatic, slightly bitter infusion traditionally used to relieve cold pain, settle the stomach, and restore warmth to the body’s core.