The use of Ze Lan (Lycopus) in the BJQJYF

[jonathanschell]

Hi all,

I have been working away on the Bei Ji Qian Jin Yao Fang getting it ready for publication, but noticed something very interesting in my studies of this text. Thats is the regular use of Ze Lan (Lycopus). This is an herb that we were taught in school but, it wasn't one of the main focus herbs. Bensky has it in his Invigorate blood category -- that it promotes Blood circulation and help menstruation, Invigorates the Blood, and Dispels Blood Stasis, and that it Promotes urination.

While these qualities sound good, it was not in my ritual to use this herb much -- I guess when I think about herbs in this category, I have a tendency too move towards the big blood movers -- things that break stasis -- ru xiang, mo yao, hong hua, etc.

I was wondering if anyone uses ze lan in their practice regularly, and if they would be willing to talk a little about their experience with this herb. Or is this an herb that was popular with Sun Si-Miao, but has lost it's allure to later herbalists. I find herbalism to be a very subtle science, and I like to use herbs that bring out subtle patterns both emotionally and physically within my patients, maybe this herb was along these lines in comparison with the big movers listed above.

I would love to hear your insights into this herb.

Sincerely,

Jonathan