Witnessed by: TCM
Bugleweed (Lycopus lucidus), of the Lamiaceae family. Erect square-stemmed perennial of damp ground; native range: wet meadows, marshes and streambanks of China and East Asia. Globally recognized as ze lan (澤蘭) in Chinese, and shiny bugleweed, marsh bugleweed in English. The part used is aerial parts. Square hollow stem with paired toothed leaves and small whorled flowers, faintly aromatic, bitter and acrid.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
BUGLEWEED
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- bugleweed
- Scientific name
- Lycopus lucidus Turcz.
- Family
- Lamiaceae
Form
- Part used
- aerial parts
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- bitter · pungent
Temperature
- TCM
- warm (slightly)
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Liver · Spleen
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- invigorates the blood, dispels blood stasis, promotes urination, reduces swelling
Cautions
- Contraindications
- contraindicated in pregnancy; caution in blood deficiency without stasis
- Toxicity
- no significant toxicity in normal use
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