Zé Lán (泽兰) — Bugleweed (Lycopus)

On this page

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

1. Overview

Zé Lán (泽兰) — Lycopus lucidus — is known in English as Bugleweed / Shiny bugleweed. It belongs to the category of Herbs that invigorate Blood in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the most important and widely prescribed herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and as a significant individual herb in tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Zé Lán as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Invigorates Blood and dispels stasis — gentle action
2. Promotes urination and reduces oedema
3. Clears toxin from abscesses (topical use)

Indications

1. Dysmenorrhoea, irregular menstruation and amenorrhoea from Blood stasis — the gentler alternative to Yi Mu Cao
2. Post-partum abdominal pain and retained lochia
3. Oedema associated with Blood stasis
4. Post-traumatic bruising and swelling
5. Thin endometrial lining from Blood stasis impairing uterine perfusion
6. Can be used in pregnancy (unlike most Blood-moving herbs) in appropriate formulas

4. Key formulas containing Zé Lán

Zé Lán is an ingredient in many classical formulas. The following are among the most important:

• Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.

5. Modern research

Lycopus lucidus (Ze Lan) is less studied than many Chinese herbs, though its traditional use in gynaecology is long established. Key bioactive constituents include flavonoids, phenolic acids and volatile oils. Research demonstrates mild antiplatelet aggregation effects, anti-inflammatory properties and antithyroid activity (Lycopus species are well documented to reduce thyroid hormone levels — important caution in hypothyroid patients). The anti-thyroid activity of Lycopus is the most pharmacologically documented effect, confirmed in multiple studies.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Avoid in patients with hypothyroidism, as Lycopus species can reduce thyroid hormone levels. Avoid during pregnancy as a standalone herb. Use with caution in Blood deficiency without stasis. Generally milder and safer than Yi Mu Cao for patients requiring Blood activation.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Zé Lán as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Thin endometrial lining, Irregular menstrual cycle, Endometriosis. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.