Lindera Root
Lindera aggregata
Wu yao, the root of a laurel-family shrub used in China for thousands of years for digestive, urinary and inflammatory problems; its leaves are drunk as tea. Research is in the lab and in animals.
What is Lindera Root?
- Plant family
- Lauraceae, the laurel family
- Parts used
- The roots; the young leaves are drunk as a tea
- Where it grows
- Asia
- Genus
- Lindera
- Species
- aggregata
Also called
Linderae Radix
Traditional names
Wu Yao, Wuyao
Older scientific names
Lindera strychnifolia
Traditionally used for
- Digestive problems (traditional)
- Urinary problems (traditional)
- Liver and kidney protection (traditional)
Traditionally described as
- Lowered blood fats (in animal studies)
Health topics
Where Lindera Root appears in symptom search, and why. Being listed doesn't mean it's a proven treatment.
- Indigestion
The root is traditionally used for digestive problems. Not tested in trials.
Traditions that use it
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Called wu yao; the roots and leaves have been used for thousands of years as medicine and food, for digestive, urinary and inflammatory problems.
What does the research say?
Traditional use
These are traditional uses, not proven treatments.
Lindera's roots and leaves have been used in China for thousands of years as medicine and food. The roots are used for problems of the digestive tract and urinary system, inflammation and metabolism, and are traditionally said to protect the liver and kidneys. The young leaves are drunk as a tea or taken as a supplement.[1]
Laboratory & animal research
Lab and animal results show what might be worth studying in people. They don't show that the herb has these effects in humans.
In lab and animal studies, lindera lowered blood fats, protected the liver and kidneys, may help reduce inflammation and pain, acted as an antioxidant, slowed some cancer cells and expelled worms. These haven't been confirmed in people.[1]
Sources
- [1] A review on the chemical constituents and pharmacological efficacies of Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm. · DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1071276Peer-reviewed study
This information is educational and traditional in nature, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.