Witnessed by: TCM
Acanthopanax bark (Eleutherococcus gracilistylus), of the Araliaceae family. Thorny deciduous shrub with five-parted leaves; native range: central and southern China. Globally recognized as wu jia pi (五加皮) in Chinese. The part used is root bark. Curled greyish-brown bark, aromatic and slightly pungent, bitter on chewing.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
ACANTHOPANAX BARK
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- acanthopanax bark
- Scientific name
- Eleutherococcus gracilistylus (W.W.Sm.) S.Y.Hu
- Family
- Araliaceae
Form
- Part used
- root bark
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- pungent · bitter
Temperature
- TCM
- warm
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Liver · Kidney
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- dispels wind-dampness, strengthens the sinews and bones, transforms dampness and reduces edema through urination
Cautions
- Contraindications
- avoid in yin deficiency with heat signs
- Toxicity
- none noted at usual doses
This is the card. Sign in for the full four-tradition entry — the aligned TCM · Ayurveda · Western · Unani reading, actions, dosing and cautions.