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Cura x Cura

Wu Jia Pi五加皮

Acanthopanacis Cortex · Acanthopanax Root Bark · Southern Wu Jia Pi

Herbs that Dispel Wind-Dampness 祛风湿药《神农本草经》

Overview

The root bark of slender-styled acanthopanax, peeled and dried. Acrid, bitter and warm, it belongs to the small group of wind-damp herbs that also supplement: it dispels wind and damp from the joints while strengthening the sinews and bones through the Liver and Kidney, which makes it the choice for aching, weak legs in the elderly rather than for an acute inflamed joint. It also moves water, so it is used where damp bi comes with puffy ankles. Traditionally it is steeped in wine for long-term use. One point of identification matters more than any of this: it is not the same herb as Xiang Jia Pi.

Nature & Flavor

Acrid, bitter · Warm

Channels

Liver · Kidney

Typical Dosage

4.5–9 g in decoction
五加皮Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Dispels wind-dampWind-damp bi with aching, heavy joints and pain that worsens in cold, damp weather.
  • Supplements Liver and Kidney, strengthens sinew and boneWeak, sore lower back and knees, unsteady legs in the elderly, and delayed walking in children.
  • Promotes urination, reduces swellingPuffy ankles and lower-limb oedema where damp lingers and the Kidney is weak.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Wu Jia Pi

No published formula lists this herb yet — the library is growing.

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Wind-damp bi with aching, heavy joints
    - Weak sore lower back and knees, unsteady gait in the elderly
    - Delayed walking and weak legs in children
    - Oedema of the lower limbs with damp retention

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

OsteoarthritisChronic low back painPeripheral edemaMuscle weakness

Contraindications

Cautions

Warm and drying: unsuitable in yin deficiency with heat signs — dry mouth, night sweats, a red tongue with little coating. The safety point that matters most is substitution. Wu Jia Pi (Acanthopanacis Cortex,) is a mild, non-toxic herb; Xiang Jia Pi (Periplocae Cortex, sometimes called) is a different plant containing cardiac glycosides, and confusing the two has caused poisoning with palpitations, arrhythmia and vomiting. Buy from a dispensary that identifies the species on the label, and if a herb sold as "Wu Jia Pi" has a strong sweet aroma, question it. Note also that this herb is unrelated to Ci Wu Jia 刺五加 (eleuthero), despite the similar name.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: No specific restriction — practitioner judgment applies.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.