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.