Product Overview
Parts used: Dried leaf
TCM category: Herbs that relieve Food Stagnation
TCM nature: Cool
TCM taste(s): Sour
Meridian affinity: Spleen Stomach
Scientific name: Microcos paniculata
Use of shiral leaves (Bu Zha Ye) in TCM
Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitionner, they will be best able to guide you.
Preparation: Pick leaves, wash and dry them
Dosage: 15-30g.
Main actions according to TCM*: Helps with digestive issues, removes Heat, diuretic effect.
Primary conditions or symptoms for which shiral leaves may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Indigestion Loss of appetite Heatstroke Abdominal pain Abdominal colic Diarrhea
Key TCM concepts behind shiral leaves (Bu Zha Ye)'s properties
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.
