Pi Pa Ye - Loquat Leaf - Folium Eriobotryae

Pi Pa Ye (Loquat Leaf) is a cool, bitter herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) known for clearing Lung heat, transforming phlegm, and harmonizing the Stomach to stop nausea and vomiting. It is derived from the leaves of Eriobotrya japonica and is highly valued for relieving cough with thick yellow phlegm, wheezing, and throat discomfort due to heat in the Lungs. Pi Pa Ye also directs rebellious Stomach Qi downward, making it effective for treating hiccups, nausea, and vomiting. Its dual action on the Lungs and Stomach makes it especially useful in respiratory conditions accompanied by digestive upset.
Functions & Benefits
Clears Lung Heat and Transforms PhlegmReduces cough, wheezing, and sticky sputum from heat or phlegm-heat accumulation in the Lungs.
Directs Stomach Qi Downward and Stops NauseaEases nausea, vomiting, and hiccups caused by rebellious Stomach Qi from heat or dryness.
Soothes the Throat and Relieves IrritationMoistens the upper respiratory tract to ease throat dryness and discomfort from persistent coughing.
Supports Recovery from Respiratory IllnessHelps restore Lung function after colds, bronchitis, or flu with lingering cough.
Indications (Who Can Benefit from It?)✔ Individuals with cough, wheezing, or yellow phlegm from Lung heat.✔ People experiencing nausea or vomiting from rebellious Stomach Qi.✔ Those with throat dryness or irritation from chronic coughing.✔ Patients recovering from respiratory infections with lingering phlegm-heat.
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCMTongue: Red with yellow coating, indicating Lung or Stomach heat.Pulse: Rapid or slippery, reflecting heat and phlegm accumulation.
Related TCM PatternsLung Heat – Causes cough, wheezing, and yellow sputum.Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs – Produces thick phlegm and chest congestion.Stomach Qi Rebellion – Leads to nausea, vomiting, and hiccups.
Clinical Applications (For Reference Only)Cough with Phlegm-Heat – Clears heat and reduces sputum.Nausea and Vomiting – Directs Qi downward to settle the stomach.Throat Irritation – Moistens dryness and relieves discomfort.Post-Bronchitis Recovery – Restores Lung function and reduces residual phlegm.
Common Herbal Formulas with Pi Pa YeOften combined with Sang Bai Pi and Ma Dou Ling for Lung heat cough, or with Sheng Jiang and Ban Xia for nausea and vomiting.
Precautions & ContraindicationsAvoid in cases of cough from cold or deficiency without heat.Not suitable for prolonged use in individuals with weak digestion.Use with caution during pregnancy.
Lifestyle & Dietary Recommendations✔ Eat cooling, moistening foods such as pears, honey, and loquat fruit to support Lung health.✔ Avoid spicy, fried, and greasy foods that aggravate phlegm-heat.✔ Stay hydrated to thin mucus and aid recovery.✔ Rest the voice to reduce throat irritation during cough recovery.
ConclusionPi Pa Ye (Loquat Leaf) is a cooling herb in TCM that clears Lung heat, transforms phlegm, and directs Stomach Qi downward. It is a valuable remedy for cough with phlegm-heat, nausea, and throat irritation, especially when respiratory and digestive symptoms occur together.