Herb: Wu Zhu Yu


Latin name: Euodia ruticarpa


Synonyms: Euodia rutaecarpa, Tetradium ruticarpum


Family: Rutaceae (Rue Family, Citrus Family)



Medicinal use of Wu Zhu Yu:

Wu Zhu Yu has a marked warming effect on the body, helping to relieve headaches and a wide range of digestive problems. The fruit is analgesic, anthelmintic, appetizer, astringent, carminative, decongestant, deobstruent, diuretic, stimulant, stomachic and uterotonic. It is used in the treatment of gastritis, nausea, headaches, oedema, beriberi and post-partum pains. The partially ripe fruit is gathered in late summer and can be dried for later use. The root bark is astringent and vermifuge. Extracts of the plant show antiviral, antitumor and anti-inflammatory activity. This species was ranked 14th in a Chinese survey of 250 potential antifertility plants.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Deciduous
Tree

Height:
10 m
(33 feet)

Habitat of the herb:

Inner valleys of Sikkim, 2000 - 3000 metres.

Propagation of Wu Zhu Yu:

Seed - sow February in a greenhouse. Variable germination rates. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Give the plants some protection from the cold for their first winter outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood (preferably forced in a greenhouse), 5 - 8cm with a heel, June to August in a warm greenhouse. Fair to good percentage.

Cultivation of the herb:

Inner valleys of Sikkim, 2000 - 3000 metres.

Known hazards of Euodia ruticarpa:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.