Eupatorium cannabinum, Hemp Agrimony

Hemp Eupatorium, Water Hemp
Picture Eupatorium cannabinum
English Botany, Sowerby, 1804

Picture Eupatorium cannabinum
(Photo by Rosser1954) (Wikimedia)

Botanical name:


Eupatorium cannabinum
In TCM, Eupatorium Pei Lan is used (E. fortunei and others). It is similar in taste and appearance, and likewise contains similar alkaloids.

NOTE: The name Eupatorium was classically used for Agrimony; Eupatorium was also used for Water Agrimony (Bidens tripartita); Maudlin (Achillea ageratum) is the Eupatorium of Mesue.

Parts used:


Herb; Root

Temperature & Taste:
Neutral. Pungent, Bitter

Uses:


1. Clears Wind-Heat:
-Cold, Flu, acute Infections
-Intermittent Fevers

2. Clears Damp, Opens Obstructions:
-Cholecystitis, Liver obstruction, Jaundice
-Liver weakness; diseases of the Blood, Cachexia (Saline Tincture)
-Skin inflammations; Eczema

3. Clears Damp, Promotes Urine:
-obstructed Urine
-Beginning of Edema
-Edema; Fluid Retention, Swelling of the Feet

4. Moves the Blood, Resolves Masses:
-Trauma, Bruising
-Foul Ulcers
-obstructions of the Uterus
-Tumors, Swellings, Induration
-increases Immunity
-some types of Bleeding

5. Kills Worms

6. Externally:
-Wounds
-Foul Ulcers
-in baths to promote Menstruation


Comment:


Hemp Agrimony and Eupatorium Pei Lan of TCM are quite similar, and most probably can be used interchangeably. The Chinese focus is on its aromatic ability to stimulate digestion, awaken the Stomach and penetrate and resolve Damp. The uses in the West revolves around opening obstruction of the Viscera, in this case, due to Damp. It is possible that the TCM use of Pei Lan could be expanded to incorporate uses from its Western Cousin.

Dose:


standard doses in infusion;
Decoction: 3–6 grams;
Of the Expressed Juice: 1–2 ounces.

Substitute:


Agrimony can be used in its place
Picture

Main Combinations:


1. To Clear Damp and promote Urine, Hemp Agrimony with Barley or Job’s Tears
2. Summer-heat, Eupatorium Pei Lan is used with Patchouli (TCM)
3. For Damp-Heat obstruction, Eupatorium Pei Lan with Coptis Huang Lian (TCM)
4. Thick Phlegm-Damp, Eupatorium Pei Lan with Pinella Ban Xia and Tangerine Peel Chen Pi.

Cautions:


1. Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids; avoid overdose or long-term usage.

Main Preparations used:


Saline Tincture