Bugleweed (Ze Lan)
Lycopus europaeus
About Bugleweed (Ze Lan)
Bugleweed (Ze Lan) (Lycopus europaeus) is a herb used in the Traditional Chinese Medicine tradition to help with Thyroid, Circulation, Menopause, and Edema. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, taken internally.
Botanical background
Lycopus europaeus, common names gypsywort, gipsywort, bugleweed, European bugleweed and water horehound, is a perennial plant in the Lycopus genus, native to Europe and Asia, and naturalized elsewhere. Another species, Lycopus americanus has also been erroneously called L. europaeus.
Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist
Parts used
Conditions addressed
Tea / Infusion
- Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Bugleweed (Ze Lan) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
- Cover while steeping.
- Strain and drink.
Tincture
- Pack dried Bugleweed (Ze Lan) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
- Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
- Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
Powder / Capsule
- Grind dried Bugleweed (Ze Lan) into a fine powder.
- Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children
No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Bugleweed (Ze Lan) in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Bugleweed (Ze Lan) itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.
Pregnancy
AvoidThis herb is associated with hormone-modulating activity. Because pregnancy is a uniquely hormone-sensitive state, herbs in this category are generally avoided unless specifically guided by a midwife or doctor — this is a general, mechanism-based caution, not herb-specific research.
Breastfeeding
Use CautionHormone-modulating herbs can potentially affect milk supply or pass hormone-active compounds to the infant — generally used cautiously and under guidance.
Children
AvoidHormone-modulating herbs are generally avoided in children given the sensitivity of ongoing hormonal development.
Contraindications
- Pre-surgery — discontinue at least 2 weeks prior (potential antiplatelet effect)
- Hormone-sensitive conditions (breast/ovarian cancer, endometriosis) — phytoestrogenic activity possible
- Thyroid disorders — may interfere with levothyroxine and other thyroid medications
- Significant kidney impairment — diuretic herbs may worsen renal function
Warnings
⛔ Heart & Blood Pressure Medications
May interact with antihypertensive drugs, blood thinners, or cardiac medications. Do not combine without medical guidance.
⚠️ Kidney Disease
Some diuretic herbs are contraindicated in those with kidney disease. Consult your doctor if you have impaired kidney function.
⚠️ Allergic Reactions
Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
⚠️ Not Medical Advice
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Drug & herb interactions
May thin the blood
Watch for: Anticoagulants (warfarin), antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel), and other blood-thinning herbs or supplements (ginkgo, garlic, fish oil, vitamin E)
Combining blood-thinning substances can increase bleeding risk, including before surgery or dental work.
May affect hormone levels
Watch for: Hormone therapies, oral contraceptives, and tamoxifen or similar medications
Some herbs have mild phytoestrogenic or hormone-modulating activity that can interact with hormonal medications.
May have a diuretic effect
Watch for: Diuretic medications and lithium
Additive fluid loss can affect electrolyte balance and change how the body clears lithium.
Where to find in nature
Native region
China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan
Climate
Temperate to subtropical
Habitat
Mountain forests, river valleys, and cultivated herb farms throughout East Asia
🌿 To see Bugleweed (Ze Lan) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.
Where to buy
In store
- Chinese herbal medicine shops and TCM clinics
- Chinatown herbal stores and Asian supermarkets with herbal sections
- Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
- Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
- Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
Online
iHerb
Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing
Mountain Rose Herbs
Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced
Starwest Botanicals
Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders
Herb Pharm
High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards
Amazon
Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing
Etsy
Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs
Quality tips
When buying Bugleweed (Ze Lan), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.