Wu Jia Pi - Acanthopanax Root Bark

TCM Materia Medica

Wu Jia Pi TCM Herb Classifications and Usages

The TCM herb "wu jia pi" which in english is "acanthopanax root bark", is categorized within the "herbs that dispel wind dampness" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the kidney and liver channels and exhibits acrid, bitter (ku) and warm (wen) taste/temperature properties.

Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:

  • Dosage: 4.5-15g

Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:

  • Dispels wind-cold-damp, strengthens the sinews and bones, chronic bi due to liver and kidney deficiency generating weak sinews (motor function development delays in children, elderly).
  • Transforms damp, reduces swelling - urinary difficulty, edema, damp-cold leg qi.

While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, wu jia pi is generally included in the following 1 formula:

ViewTian Ma Gou Teng Wan (Gastrodia and Uncaria Formula)

Headaches, vertigo, dizziness, tinnitis, floaters or blurry vision, insomnia as a result of liver yang rising.  Siezures, spasms, convulsions or other types of involuntary muscle activity due to liv…

As noted above, wu jia pi is within the herbs that dispel wind dampness functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.

(truncated intro "... for wind-dampness from the muscle, sinews, joints, and bones; bi-syndromes. wind-predominant bi (xing bi) - pain moves from joint to joint. cold-predominant bi (tong bi) - severe, fixed pain that is made worse by cold. damp-predominant b…)".

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