Fortune Eupatorium Herb

Fortune Eupatorium Herb (Eupatorium fortunei) – Pei Lan

Overview:
Fortune Eupatorium Herb, known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Pei Lan, is the dried aerial part of Eupatorium fortunei, a fragrant plant widely used to transform dampness, awaken the spleen, and refresh the mouth. It is especially useful in conditions involving damp-heat, particularly during warm and humid seasons.

Botanical Characteristics:
Eupatorium fortunei is a perennial herb native to China and East Asia, known for its soft, aromatic leaves and upright stems. The plant is typically harvested in the summer or early autumn when the volatile oils are most concentrated. After harvesting, it is dried for use in decoctions and herbal formulas.

Traditional Uses in TCM:

• Transforms dampness and strengthens the spleen:
  Used for symptoms such as nausea, poor appetite, abdominal distension, and vomiting caused by damp obstruction in the middle burner.

• Dispels summer-heat and relieves fatigue:
  Commonly used for summer-heat disorders with symptoms like headache, stifling sensation in the chest, lethargy, and diarrhea.

• Clears dampness and eliminates foul breath:
  Often prescribed to relieve bad breath associated with stomach dampness and heat.

Pharmacological Properties:
Pei Lan contains essential oils, flavonoids, and other compounds with demonstrated antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, digestive, and deodorizing effects. It supports the gastrointestinal system and may help combat microbes responsible for digestive or respiratory discomfort.

Preparation and Dosage:

• Commonly used in decoction form, with a recommended dosage of 3–10 grams.

• Often combined with other damp-resolving herbs like Agastache (Huo Xiang) or Atractylodes (Bai Zhu) in formulas for summer flu or gastrointestinal imbalance.

Precautions:

• Not suitable for individuals with yin deficiency and internal heat, or those with dry constitutions.

• Use with caution during pregnancy and consult a qualified TCM practitioner before use if taking other medications.