Bù Zhā Yè

Other Names : Folium Microcos paniculatae, Shiral leaves, Microcos paniculata L., po bu zi, shuai bu zi, po bu ye, lan bu zha, bu bao mu, po bu shu, xiang bo ye, 破布子、簑衣子、破布葉、麻布葉、爛布渣、布包木、破布樹、蘚寶葉

Actions

arresting pain, anti-inflammation, antipyretic, anti-jaundice.

Health Benefits and Uses of Bù Zhā Yè

Used for colds, Heat stroke, Indigestion, Loss of appetite, Dyspepsia, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Abdominal colic, Diarrhea, Hepatitis, Removes Heat, Diuretic effect.

• In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), shiral leaves are plants that belong to the 'Herbs that relieve Food Stagnation' category. These herbs typically possess digestive and Food moving properties as they relate to the Stomach and Spleen. Some of these herbs are high in digestive enzymes and have varying specific abilities to help with the digestion of food.
• Furthermore shiral leaves are plants that are Cool in nature. This means that shiral leaves tend to help people who have too much "heat" in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Cold in nature. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much heat in their body are said to either have a Yang excess (because Yang is Hot in nature) or a Yin deficiency (Yin is Cold in Nature). Depending on your condition shiral leaves can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.
• Shiral leaves also taste Sour. The so-called "five elements" theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Sour ingredients like shiral leaves help with digestion and restrain abnormal discharges of fluids from the body, such as diarrhea or heavy sweating.
• The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what organs and meridians they target. As such shiral leaves are thought to target the Spleen and the Stomach. In TCM the Spleen assists with digestion, blood coagulation and fluid metabolism in the body. The Stomach on the other hand is responsible for receiving and ripening ingested food and fluids. It is also tasked with descending the digested elements downwards to the Small Intestine.
• Shiral leaves may provide a source of plant compounds with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities.

References

MA Aziz (2015). "Qualitative phytochemical screening and evaluation of anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities of Microcos paniculata barks and fruits". Journal of Integrative Medicine. Volume 13, Issue 3, Pages 173-184

Used in

Wong Lo Kat