Pei Lan (Eupatorium) is an aromatic, neutral herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) known for transforming dampness, awakening the Spleen, and refreshing the mouth. It is derived from the aerial parts of Eupatorium fortunei and is valued for its ability to treat dampness in the middle burner, which can cause loss of appetite, nausea, and a sticky sensation in the mouth. Pei Lan is also effective in resolving summer-heat with dampness, making it a key herb for digestive discomfort in hot, humid climates. Its fragrant nature gently stimulates the Spleen and Stomach, dispels turbid dampness, and helps restore a fresh, clean taste in the mouth.
Functions & Benefits
Transforms Dampness and Awakens the Spleen
Improves digestion by dispelling turbid dampness that causes bloating, nausea, and poor appetite.
Resolves Summer-Heat with Dampness
Clears damp-heat accumulation in hot weather, relieving fever, heaviness, and digestive sluggishness.
Refreshes the Mouth and Eliminates Bad Breath
Removes sticky taste and unpleasant odor caused by damp accumulation in the digestive system.
Supports Middle Burner Function
Helps regulate the flow of Qi and digestive fluids for better nutrient absorption.
Indications (Who Can Benefit from It?)
✔ Individuals with loss of appetite, bloating, and nausea from dampness.
✔ People with bad breath and sticky mouth sensation from digestive damp accumulation.
✔ Those experiencing summer-heat symptoms with digestive discomfort.
✔ Patients in humid climates prone to damp-heat conditions.
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Thick, greasy coating, often white or yellow, indicating dampness in the middle burner.
Pulse: Slippery or soggy, reflecting damp accumulation.
Related TCM Patterns
Dampness in the Middle Burner – Causes bloating, nausea, and poor appetite.
Damp-Heat from Summer-Heat – Produces fever, heaviness, and digestive upset.
Turbid Dampness – Leads to foul breath, sticky mouth, and sluggish digestion.
Clinical Applications (For Reference Only)
Digestive Dampness – Relieves bloating, heaviness, and loss of appetite.
Summer-Heat Dampness – Clears damp-heat and restores energy in hot weather.
Halitosis from Dampness – Refreshes the mouth and eliminates odor.
Nausea from Damp Accumulation – Settles the Stomach and restores balance.
Common Herbal Formulas with Pei Lan
Often combined with Huo Xiang for summer-heat dampness, or with Bai Dou Kou and Sha Ren for digestive damp stagnation.
Precautions & Contraindications
Avoid in cases of Yin deficiency with heat signs.
Not suitable for chronic dry mouth from fluid deficiency.
Use with caution in prolonged high-dose applications.
Lifestyle & Dietary Recommendations
✔ Eat light, aromatic foods such as fresh herbs and cooked vegetables to aid digestion.
✔ Avoid greasy, fried, and overly sweet foods that worsen dampness.
✔ In humid weather, consume cooling teas such as chrysanthemum and mint.
✔ Engage in light movement to help circulate Qi and dispel dampness.
Conclusion
Pei Lan (Eupatorium) is a fragrant, damp-transforming herb in TCM that awakens the Spleen, refreshes the mouth, and relieves digestive discomfort caused by turbid dampness. It is particularly useful in humid climates and for summer-heat conditions affecting digestion.
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