Radix Linderae
Combined Spicebush Root

Source:
The root tuber of Lindera aggregate (Sims) Kosterm. (Fam. Lauraceae).

Distribution:
Mainly in Chinese provinces such as Zhejiang, Anhui, Hunan, Guangdong and Guangxi.

Harvest & Processing:
Dig out root tubers anytime during the year; remove rootlets; wash clean; cut into slices while fresh and dry under the sun, or dry under the sun without slicing.

Description:
Mostly spindle-shaped; slightly curved. The ones with the middle part contracted and torose (cylindrical with alternate swellings and constrictions) are known as “ wuyao zhu”(Combined Spicebush Root Pearls). 6-15 cm long, 1-3 cm in diameter; outer surface yellowish-brown or dull yellowish-brown; marked with longitudinal wrinkles and sparse rootlet scars. Hard; slices 0.2-2 mm thick; cut surface yellowish-white or pale yellowish-brown, with radial rays and annual rings, with the core darker in colour. Odour: fragrant; taste: slightly bitter, acrid, fresh.

Indications:
1. Chest, gastric or abdominal pains
2. Dysmenorrhoea
3. Hernia pain
4. Rheumatic arthralgia with bone involvement, post traumatic pain

Chemical Composition:
Mainly contains sesquiterpenes such as linderol and linderane.