- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- East Asia, especially China
- Traditions
- Chinese medical traditions
Asia · Herb · № 741
Lycopus lucidus
Herb · Asia
Chinese bugleweed (ze lan)
Lycopus lucidus
Traditionally attributed effects: moves the blood and regulates menstruation; diuretic.
Safety notes
Caution during pregnancy; not without blood stagnation. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
Aerial parts. Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.
Use in traditions
Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'herbs that move the blood'. Ze lan, 'marsh orchid', is used for irregular or painful menstruation and for swelling after childbirth. It is related to European gypsywort.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Chinese materia medica
- Nature and taste
- pungent, bitter, warm
- Meridians
- liver, spleen, bladder
Attributed effects
For absent or irregular menstruation, pain after childbirth, abdominal pain and injury from blood stagnation, and oedema and dribbling.
Preparation and amount
Traditional dosage: 3–9 g a day, usually in a decoction. Related to the American bugleweed.
Combinations
- With dang gui, dan shen and red peony
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Decoction