wu yao

乌药·Radix Linderae

combined spicebush root

About wu yao

Wu Yao (乌药) is the root of lindera, the combined spicebush, recorded as Radix Linderae. It is acrid in flavour and warm in temperature, entering the Lung, Spleen, Kidney and Bladder channels. The catalogue files it among the herbs that regulate Qi.

Names

Pinyinwu yao
Chinese乌药
Latin NameRadix Linderae
English Namecombined spicebush root·Lindera Root
Japaneseuyaku
Koreanoyak

Classification

Category
Regulate Qi
Channels
Lung, Spleen, Bladder, Kidney
Flavour
Acrid
Temperature
Warm
Part used
Root
Family
Lauraceae
Species
Lindera aggregata
Tags
Chinese Herbs, Common

Actions and indications

Moves Qi and relieves pain

  • Cold with Qi stagnation: a stifling feeling in the chest, and pain of the flanks, epigastrium and abdomen
  • Abdominal distension
  • Bulging (hernial) disorders
  • Menstrual pain

Warms the Kidneys and disperses Cold

  • Frequent urination or incontinence from Kidney Yang deficiency or Deficiency Cold of the Bladder
  • Accompanying signs: a lower back that is sore, cold and weak, a pale complexion, tiredness, seminal emission and copious clear vaginal discharge

Combinations

Dosage

AgeRawGranuleTinctureConcentrateFrequency
Any 3-10g; Tincture: 2-4ml3-10 g2-4 ml

Cautions