Ze Lan is a common gynecological medicine mainly used to promote blood circulation and regulate menstruation. It can be used in combination with various Chinese herbs. Although it has high medicinal value, many people do not know what it looks like. Let's get to know it together!
Introduction of Ze Lan
Ze Lan is mainly found in marshes, low-lying ditches in mountainous areas, and moist areas along streams. It is also cultivated in small quantities. It is distributed in Northeast China, North China, and other regions.
It is harvested during the summer and autumn when the stems and leaves are growing vigorously. The above-ground parts are cut, washed to remove dirt, and dried (preferably in shade). Alternatively, impurities can be removed, residual roots can be eliminated, and the segments can be dried after being slightly moistened with water.
The stems of Ze Lan are square in shape, with few branches. They have shallow longitudinal grooves on all four sides, measuring 50-100 centimeters in length and 2-5 millimeters in diameter. The surface is yellowish-green or slightly purple, with distinct purple color at the nodes and white hairs. The texture is brittle, easily breakable, and the medullary cavity is hollow.
The leaves are opposite, wrinkled and shriveled. They are lanceolate or elongated oval-shaped when unfolded, with serrated edges. The upper surface is yellowish-green or grayish-green, and the lower surface has brown glandular dots. Both sides are covered with short hairs.
The flowers cluster in a whorl in the leaf axils, with the corolla mostly falling off, and the bracts and calyx persisting. It has no fragrance and a mild taste. The best quality is tender, with many leaves and green color.
Effects and Functions of Ze Lan
Ze Lan has the functions of promoting blood circulation, diuresis, and relieving depression and soothing the liver. It belongs to the category of blood-activating and menstruation-regulating drugs under the classification of blood-activating and stasis-removing drugs. It has major pharmacological effects such as enhancing uterine contractions, anticoagulation, and improving blood stasis.
It is used for irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, postpartum blood stasis abdominal pain, facial and body edema, bruises and injuries, painful ulcers, and can be decocted for oral administration. The dosage is 4.5-9 grams, boiled in water for oral administration, or made into pills or powders. It can also be used externally, with fresh Ze Lan pounded and applied, or boiled and used for steaming and washing.
The main components of Ze Lan are volatile oil and tannins, with 46 identified components through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. It also contains triterpenoids, ursolic acid, glucose, Ze Lan sugar, insect wax, and betulinic acid.
Although Ze Lan can improve microcirculation disorders, inhibit blood coagulation, and have a cardiotonic effect, it should be used with caution in individuals with blood deficiency and no blood stasis. It is contraindicated for pregnant women.
Treatment for amenorrhea and abdominal pain: 9 grams of Ze Lan and Water Chestnut, 15 grams each of Horny Goat Weed and Motherwort, and 3 grams of Chinese Bullhead. Boil together and take orally.
