Description:
Ze Lan (泽兰), also known as Hirsute Shiny Bugleweed Herb, is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine prepared from the dried aerial parts of Lycopus lucidus Turcz. var. hirtus Regel, a plant in the Lamiaceae (mint) family. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is traditionally valued for invigorating Blood, helping relieve Blood Stasis, promoting urination, and reducing swelling.
Ze Lan is traditionally associated with the Liver and Spleen meridians. It is commonly used in traditional formulas for irregular menstruation, menstrual discomfort, postpartum abdominal pain associated with Blood Stasis, and fluid retention.
In TCM, Ze Lan is traditionally used to promote Blood circulation and support the movement of fluids. Its applications depend on the individual’s constitution, symptoms, and traditional pattern assessment.
Modern research has investigated Lycopus species and their naturally occurring compounds, but clinical evidence for the effectiveness and safety of dried Ze Lan remains limited.
Benefits:
- Traditionally used to invigorate Blood according to TCM principles
- Traditionally used to address Blood Stasis patterns
- Traditionally used to support menstrual regularity
- Traditionally used for menstrual discomfort
- Traditionally used in selected postpartum herbal formulas
- Traditionally used to promote urination
- Traditionally used to help reduce fluid retention and swelling
- Traditionally used to support recovery from minor injuries in traditional formulas
- Contains naturally occurring plant compounds investigated in scientific research
- Traditionally used as an ingredient in classical TCM herbal formulas
Other Names:
Ze Lan, Ze Lan (泽兰), Zelan, Herba Lycopi, Lycopus Herb, Hirsute Shiny Bugleweed Herb, Hirsute Bugleweed Herb, Bright Bugleweed, Bugleweed, and Lycopus lucidus Turcz. var. hirtus Regel.
Persian names: زِهلان (Ze Lan), گیاه لیکوپوس (Lycopus), and علف باگلوید (Bugleweed). These are transliterations or descriptive names; a standardized Persian traditional name for this specific Chinese medicinal herb could not be confirmed.
Indian names: Bugleweed and Lycopus herb are descriptive English names. A reliable, standardized Indian-language name specifically for Lycopus lucidus var. hirtus could not be confirmed.
Traditional Uses:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ze Lan is traditionally used to invigorate Blood and help relieve Blood Stasis, particularly in patterns involving irregular menstruation, absent periods, and menstrual discomfort.
It is also traditionally used in selected postpartum formulas for abdominal pain associated with Blood Stasis and to promote urination when fluid retention is present.
Ze Lan may be combined with other herbs in formulas for swelling and certain injuries. Its traditional applications depend on the individual’s symptoms and TCM pattern.
Side Effects:
Reliable clinical safety data for medicinal doses of Ze Lan are limited. Gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions may occur, and the safety of prolonged use has not been well established.
Because Ze Lan is traditionally used to promote Blood circulation and influence menstruation, caution is appropriate in individuals with bleeding disorders or unexplained bleeding.
Discontinue use and consult a healthcare practitioner if unusual bleeding or other persistent symptoms occur.
Precautions:
Pregnancy: Avoid medicinal use during pregnancy unless specifically directed by a qualified healthcare practitioner. Traditional references advise caution because of its Blood-moving and menstruation-related applications.
Breastfeeding: Consult a healthcare practitioner before use because reliable safety information is limited.
Consult a healthcare practitioner before use if you have a bleeding disorder, heavy menstrual bleeding, a medical condition, or take prescription medications.
Seek medical assessment for persistent swelling, severe menstrual pain, or unexplained changes in menstruation.
Interactions:
Consult a healthcare practitioner before combining Ze Lan with prescription medications or other natural health products.
Anticoagulants and antiplatelet medications: Potential interactions affecting bleeding risk have not been adequately studied. Professional guidance is advisable before combining them.
Medications affecting menstruation: Consult a healthcare practitioner before combining Ze Lan with hormonal medications or other products intended to influence menstrual bleeding.
Diuretics: Ze Lan is traditionally used to promote urination, but the clinical significance of combining it with diuretic medications is unknown.
Reliable clinical interaction data for Ze Lan remain limited.
Dosing:
Use according to the product label or as directed by a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner.
Traditional Chinese Medicine references commonly describe dried Ze Lan in an approximate range of 6–12 g for decoction use. The appropriate amount depends on the preparation, formula, and individual circumstances.
This is a traditional reference range, not a personalized dosing recommendation.
For a 50 g bulk-herb product, the package quantity should not be interpreted as a recommended daily dose.
Storage:
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep tightly closed and out of reach of children.
Protect the dried herb from moisture, humidity, insects, and excessive heat. Discard if there are signs of mold, unusual odor, or spoilage.
Preparation:
Ze Lan is traditionally prepared as a decoction by simmering the dried aerial parts in water according to a qualified practitioner’s instructions.
It is commonly combined with other herbs in traditional formulas for menstrual discomfort, Blood Stasis patterns, and fluid retention.
Use only correctly identified Lycopus lucidus var. hirtus material. Ze Lan should not be confused with similarly named plants from other botanical genera, which may have different properties and safety profiles.
Scientific Support:
Ze Lan is derived from the dried aerial parts of Lycopus lucidus Turcz. var. hirtus Regel, a member of the Lamiaceae family. Research has identified several classes of naturally occurring compounds in Ze Lan, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, fatty acids, and volatile compounds.
Modern research has investigated potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other biological activities of Ze Lan constituents. However, much of the available evidence is preclinical, and further high-quality human studies are needed to establish its effectiveness, appropriate dosing, and safety.
Traditional uses for menstrual health, Blood Stasis, and fluid retention are based primarily on Traditional Chinese Medicine practice and should not be interpreted as established clinical benefits.
References & Scientific Support:
PubMed – Research on Lycopus lucidus and Its Pharmacological Properties. This PubMed search provides access to scientific publications concerning Lycopus lucidus, including research into its chemical constituents, biological activities, and potential medicinal applications. Evidence specific to the traditional dried Ze Lan herb remains limited. View Research.
PubMed – Research on Ze Lan (Lycopus lucidus var. hirtus) and Traditional Chinese Medicine. This PubMed search identifies publications concerning the botanical variety used for Ze Lan and related research into its phytochemistry, pharmacology, and traditional medicinal applications. Findings from other Lycopus species should not automatically be applied to Ze Lan. View Research.
Health Canada – Natural Health Products Ingredients Database. Health Canada’s database includes Lycopus lucidus var. hirtus under the traditional Chinese medicine ingredient name Ze Lan (Herba Lycopi). The database provides ingredient terminology and regulatory information; this does not mean that every standalone Ze Lan product is licensed or approved for specific therapeutic claims. View Health Canada Reference.
