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Wuyao (Linderae Radix)

Pungent, warm, non-toxic. Primarily treats sudden evil pathogens causing nausea and abdominal pain, gu poison (parasitic poisoning), zhu-wu (transmitted miasma), ghost qi (sudden mental abnormalities or strange diseases), undigested food stagnation, epidemic miasma (infectious diseases), cold qi attacking the back and spine from between the bladder and kidney, women's blood and qi disorders, and various intestinal parasites in children. Its leaves and roots, when harvested while tender, are made into tea slices, roasted, ground, and decocted for oral administration; this can tonify the middle jiao and benefit qi, particularly effective in stopping frequent and slippery urination. It grows in Yongzhou and Rongzhou in Lingnan, as well as in Jiangnan. The tree resembles Camellia sinensis (tea plant), growing over one zhang (approx. 3.3 meters) high. Each leaf has three prongs; the leaf surface is green, and the underside is pale white. The root is dark brown-black, shaped like a wheel hub (chariot hub), resembling the root of wild peony (Shan Shaoyao), and also similar to the root of Cinnamomum camphora (Wuzhang). Straight roots are unsuitable. Also known as Pangqi; roots are harvested in August. (Currently attached)

Min Yuxi et al. respectfully note: Ri Hua Zi states that it treats all types of qi stagnation, dispels all cold pathogens, cholera-like syndrome with vomiting and regurgitation, diarrhea and dysentery, carbuncles, sores, scabies, and leprosy, and resolves cold qi.

Tu Jing records: Wuyao grows in Yongzhou and Rongzhou in Lingnan and Jiangnan; currently, it is also found in Taizhou, Leizhou, and Hengzhou, with those from Tiantai being superior. The wood resembles tea, standing five to seven chi tall. Leaves are slightly round and pointed, trifoliate, green on the upper surface and white underneath. Small flowers bloom in May, yellowish-white. Fruits form in June, resembling wild peony. Some are extremely large, resembling the root of Lindera aggregata (Diaozhang). However, there are two types of roots: those from Lingnan are dark brown-black and hard; those from Tiantai are white and spongy/soft, both harvested in August. Roots shaped like a wheel hub or like linked pearls are considered excellent. Some say Tiantai varieties have a pleasant white fragrance but are less potent than those from Hainan.

Doumen Fang: Treats Yin-Du Shanghan (Yin-Toxin Cold Damage). Take one he of Wuyao seeds, stir-fry until black smoke rises, pour into water, boil three to five times, and drink one large cup. Wait for sweating to occur and yang qi to recover; recovery will be immediate. Bieshuo Yun: Respectfully according to Bencao Tu Jing and popular opinion, Tiantai varieties are considered best. Comparing them with those from Hengzhou and Hongzhou, the fragrance of Tiantai is inferior, and its medicinal efficacy is also lower. However, the flesh color is reddish and slightly smaller. Users should seek out and compare various sources.

Yanyi states: Wuyao has little harmonizing qi and much dispersing action, but is not overly harsh. When ground together with Chenxiang (Aquilaria Lignum) and taken as a decoction, it effectively and safely treats cold qi in the chest and abdomen.