Eupatorium, Pei Lan 佩兰
Thoroughwort, Orchid Grass, Fragrant Grass
Pei Lan (TCM)
Pei Lan (TCM)
Botanical name:
Eupatorium fortunei
Also E. japonicum, E. heterophyllum
Parts used:
Herb, fresh or dried
Temperature & Taste:
Neutral. Pungent
Classification:
J. Aromatics that Resolve Dampness
Eupatorium fortunei
Also E. japonicum, E. heterophyllum
Parts used:
Herb, fresh or dried
Temperature & Taste:
Neutral. Pungent
Classification:
J. Aromatics that Resolve Dampness
Uses:
1. Clears Damp, Benefits the Stomach:
-poor appetite, nausea, vomiting from Damp obstruction
-sickly sweet taste in the mouth with bad breath
-stifling sensation in the chest, chest oppression
-also for Damp-Heat affecting the Stomach and Spleen
2. Clears Summer-heat:
-summer heat and damp with fever, fatigue, chest oppression, nausea
DOSE:
5–10 grams in decoction; (10–20 grams of the fresh herb)
SUBSTITUTE:
While Basil is listed as an adulterant in Bensky, it has similar functions and can be used as a substitute to awaken the spleen and clear Damp.
5–10 grams in decoction; (10–20 grams of the fresh herb)
SUBSTITUTE:
While Basil is listed as an adulterant in Bensky, it has similar functions and can be used as a substitute to awaken the spleen and clear Damp.
Main Combinations:
1. Damp obstructing the Stomach and Spleen:
i. Eupatorium Pei Lan with Agastache Huo Xiang and Amomum Bai Dou Kou
ii. Eupatorium Pei Lan with Citrus peel Chen Pi, Amomum Sha Ren, Atractylodes Cang Zhu
2. Damp-Heat obstructing the Stomach and Spleen:
i. Eupatorium Pei Lan with Coptis Huang Lian
ii. Eupatorium Pei Lan with Agastache Huo Xiang and Scutellaria Huang Qin
Major Formulas:
Cautions:
Generally safe.
1. Caution in Yin deficiency, Dryness or Qi deficiency.
2. Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Avoid long-term use or large doses. It should not be used for more than 2–3 weeks without a break. Avoid in people with Liver disease.
Main Preparations used:
Generally safe.
1. Caution in Yin deficiency, Dryness or Qi deficiency.
2. Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Avoid long-term use or large doses. It should not be used for more than 2–3 weeks without a break. Avoid in people with Liver disease.
Main Preparations used: