wu jia pi

五加皮·Cortex Acanthopanacis

acanthopanax root bark

About wu jia pi

Wu Jia Pi (五加皮) is the root bark of acanthopanax, a plant of the ivy family, recorded as Cortex Acanthopanacis. It is acrid and bitter in flavour, warm in temperature, and enters the Liver and Kidney channels. The catalogue files it among the herbs that dispel Wind-Damp.

Names

Pinyinwu jia pi
Chinese五加皮
Latin NameCortex Acanthopanacis·Cortex Eleutherococci Gracilistyli
English Nameacanthopanax root bark·Eleutherococcus Root Bark·eleutherococcus root bark; acanthopanax root bark
Japanesegokahi
Koreanogapi

Classification

Channels
Kidney, Liver
Flavour
Acrid, Bitter
Temperature
Warm
Part used
Root, Bark
Family
Araliaceae
Species
Eleutherococcus gracilistylus
Tags
Chinese Herbs, Common

Actions and indications

Dispels Wind-Damp, warms and nourishes the Liver and Kidneys, and strengthens sinews and bones

  • Long-standing Wind-Cold-Damp Bi on a base of Liver and Kidney deficiency, with soft or weak bones and sinews
  • Weak bones and sinews in older people or in children whose development is delayed
  • Muscle spasm, cramps and pain from Wind-Damp, whether Excess or deficient
  • Sore, weak lower back and knees

Transforms Damp and reduces swelling

  • Edema and difficult urination
  • Cold-Damp Leg Qi

Combinations

Dosage

AgeRawGranuleTinctureConcentrateFrequency
Any 4.5-15g; Tincture: 2-4ml4.5-15 g2-4 ml

Cautions