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Knowledge baseHerbs

Ze Lan泽兰

Herba LycopiBugleweed

Also known asBright Bugleweed · Lycopus

Category
Herbs that invigorate Blood
Nature
slightly warm
Taste
bitter, pungent
Channels entered
Liver, Spleen
Secondary channels
Bladder
Dosage
3–15 g

Usual doses

Dosage
3–15 g
Dosage
30 g
Tincture
2–4 ml

Actions & indications

Invigorates the Blood and dispels Blood Stasis (Regulates menstruation)
  • Blood Stasis obstructing menstruation
  • Postpartum abdominal pain due to Blood Stasis
  • Pain and swelling from abscess or trauma (internal and topical)
Promotes urination and disperses swellings
  • Systemic and facial edema (adjunctively)
  • Postpartum painful urinary dysfunction (adjunctively)

Contraindications

  • Use with caution in pregnancy.
  • Use with caution in Blood Deficiency.
  • Use with caution when Blood Stasis is absent.

Interactions

Combining with diuretics — chlorothiazide, hydrochlorothiazide, furmoside (Lasix), bumetinide (Bumex) or torsemide (Demadex) — may increase elimination of water and/or electrolytes.

Combinations

  • Pain from trauma, along with dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea.

  • Swelling and pain caused by trauma.

  • Used as a wash for trauma-induced swelling and pain.

  • Swelling and pain from abscess.

  • Edema accompanied by Heat.

  • Removes water, invigorates Blood and frees the collaterals for ascites, facial and limb edema, and leg Qi; also postpartum edema.

  • Disorders combining Blood Stasis with pathogenic water accumulation, such as Blood separation (amenorrhea followed by generalized edema).

  • Pain and bruising.

  • Painful or irregular menstruation and postpartum abdominal pain.

  • Amenorrhea caused by Blood Deficiency with Fire.

  • Chest and hypochondriac pain from Qi and Blood Stagnation.

  • Back pain from Blood Stagnation caused by traumatic injury.

Notes

  • This herb is mild in action and is always combined with other herbs.
  • Being aromatic, it can relieve Liver congestion.
  • It is said to expel pathogenic Heat, tonify the Blood, warm the Liver and invigorate Blood circulation.
  • This herb has been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth.
  • It breaks down abdominal masses and reduces edema.
  • Combined with tonics, it can reduce masses while tonifying simultaneously, without harming Qi.
  • It is regarded as particularly effective for Blood disorders.
  • Fresh Lycopus, Xian Ze Lan, also resolves toxicity and is often applied topically to sores, bites and traumatic injuries.
  • Ze Lan and Rz. Ligustici Chuanxiong Chuan Xiong are both aromatic herbs that invigorate the Blood and relieve pain. Ze Lan also promotes fluid metabolism and urination, suiting disorders where Blood Stasis and edema occur together. Chuan Xiong moves Qi within the Blood and ascends to the head and eyes, expelling Wind and relieving headache.
  • Ze Lan and Hb. Leonuri Yi Mu Cao both invigorate the Blood, promote urination and treat toxic swellings. Ze Lan acts gently and harmoniously, fitting either Hot or Cold Blood Stasis disorders, including swelling reduction. Yi Mu Cao, a stronger Blood mover and diuretic with a cooling nature, is better suited to Blood Heat combined with Blood Stasis.

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