Pí Pá Yè (枇杷叶) — Loquat Leaf

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Modern research
5. Incompatibilities
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Pí Pá Yè (枇杷叶) is the dried leaf of Eriobotrya japonica, known in English as loquat leaf. It belongs to the category of Herbs that stop coughing and calm wheezing in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the most useful herbs in Chinese herbal medicine for Lung Heat cough, dry cough with sticky phlegm, and Stomach Heat with nausea or hiccup. It is the principal ingredient of the well-known patent preparation Pi Pa Gao (Loquat syrup).

I prescribe Pí Pá Yè as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Transforms Phlegm and descends Lung Qi to stop cough
2. Harmonises the Stomach and stops vomiting and hiccup
3. Clears Lung and Stomach Heat

Indications

1. Cough from Lung Heat with thick yellow or sticky phlegm
2. Dry cough with little phlegm from Lung Heat injuring fluids
3. Persistent hiccup and nausea from Stomach Heat
4. Productive cough after febrile illness

4. Modern research

Loquat leaf contains triterpene acids (ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, tormentic acid), sesquiterpene glycosides, flavonoids and small amounts of amygdalin (mainly in the seed, less in the leaf). Studies report antitussive, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycaemic and antiviral activity. Ursolic acid has been investigated for hepatoprotective and metabolic effects. The leaf should be brushed clean of fine hairs before use, as the hairs can irritate the throat.

5. Incompatibilities

Pí Pá Yè (枇杷叶) Loquat Leaf is not listed in either of the two classical incompatibility texts — Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) or Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions). As with every Chinese herb it should be prescribed only as part of a balanced formula by a registered Chinese herbalist (RCHM), who will check for interactions with any other herbs and prescription medications you are taking.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Use with caution in cold-pattern cough with clear watery sputum and a pale tongue, where the cool nature may aggravate the picture. The herb should be processed (brushed and honey-fried for cough, or used raw for stomach actions) according to the intended use.

Pattern contraindications

Distinguish the sub-pattern (cold-phlegm vs heat-phlegm vs dry vs deficient cough) — the wrong sub-type can worsen the cough. Some (Xing Ren, Bai Bu) contain mildly toxic constituents and are not for long-term high-dose use.

Modern drug interactions

Tell your GP if you are on theophylline, sedatives or opioid cough suppressants — some interaction is possible. Xing Ren contains amygdalin and is used in modest doses only.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM with over 25 years of clinical experience.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Pí Pá Yè as part of tailored herbal formulas for chronic cough with Lung Heat, dry cough, persistent hiccup and nausea, and selected presentations of acid reflux with Heat features. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available.

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