Description
Deciduous tree growing to 33 ft (10 m). Has compound leaves, clusters of white flowers, and greenish-red fruit.
Habitat & Cultivation
Native to China, Tibet, and the eastern Himalayas, evodia is cultivated in China. The partially ripe fruit is gathered in late summer.
Part Used
Fruit.
Constituents
Evodia contains the alkaloids evodine, evodiamine, and rutaecarpine.
History & Folklore
Evodia is listed in the Divine Husbandman’s Classic (Shen’nong Bencaojing) of the 1st century CE.
Medicinal Actions & Uses
Evodia has a marked warming effect on the body, helping to relieve headaches and a wide range of digestive problems. In Chinese herbal medicine, evodia is used mainly for abdominal pains, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and a weak pulse.
Research
Chinese studies indicate that evodia is analgesic and reduces blood pressure.
Caution
Use evodia only under professional supervision.