- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- China
- Traditions
- Chinese medical traditions
Asia · Herb · № 726
Eupatorium fortunei
Herb · Asia
Fortune's boneset (pei lan)
Eupatorium fortunei
Traditionally attributed effects: transforms dampness in the middle and relieves summer heat.
Safety notes
Not with yin deficiency. Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids: not for long periods. 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 'aromatic herbs that transform dampness'. Pei lan, 'worn orchid', used to be carried in sachets for its scent. According to Chinese medicine it dispels damp and summer heat and is used for a sweet taste in the mouth and a heavy feeling.
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, neutral
- Meridians
- spleen, stomach
Attributed effects
For dampness in the middle with a full feeling, poor appetite, nausea and a white, moist tongue coating, a sweet, sticky taste and bad breath, and summer heat with dampness.
Preparation and amount
Traditional dosage: 4–9 g a day, usually in a decoction.
Combinations
- With huo xiang and qing hao for summer heat with dampness
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Decoction