Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Folium Eriobotryae |
|---|
| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 枇杷葉 · Pi Pa Ye |
|---|
| Medicinal Part | Leaves |
|---|
| Efficacy Category | Phlegm-resolving |
|---|
| Botanical Origin | The dried leaf of Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.(Rosaceae) |
|---|
| Nature & Flavour | Bitter; Slightly cold |
|---|
| Channels Entered | Lung, Stomach |
|---|
What Is Pi Pa Ye?
Pi Pa Ye (Loquat Leaf) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the areas of south of Yangtze River of China.
Nature & Flavour: Bitter; Slightly cold
Channels Entered: Lung, Stomach
Pi Pa Ye: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Folium Eriobotryae
Botanical Origin
The dried leaf of Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.(Rosaceae)
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the areas of south of Yangtze River of China.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is intact, thick, green.
Macroscopic Features
Long obovate shape, 12~30cm long, 4~9cm wide. Upper surface is pale brownish-green, yellowish-green or reddish-brown, lustrous. Lower surface is grayish-green or brownish-yellow; densely has grayish-brown hairs. Leaf veins are feather-like and grow on the sides, main veins are brownish-yellow or brownish-red, obviously raised. Leaf apex is gradually pointed, with saw-teeth at the edge. Leaf stem is very short, covered in yellowish-brown or brownish-black hairs. Leaf is leathery, brittle and easily broken. faintly aromatic odor, slightly bitter taste.
Traditional TCM Properties
Bitter; Slightly coldLungStomach
Traditional Functions
Clears lung, stops cough, downbears qi and stops vomiting. Apply to cough due to lung heat, inverse qi and panting, vomiting due to stomach heat, hiccup.
Classical Formulas Containing Pi Pa Ye
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pi Pa Ye? Are honey-fried leaf, loquat fruit and loquat seed the same?
Official Pi Pa Ye (枇杷叶) is the dried leaf of Eriobotrya japonica. The pharmacopoeial name is Eriobotryae Folium. Slices must be brushed free of down and cut into shreds. Honey-fried Pi Pa Ye is stir-fried with refined honey until not sticky—better to moisten the Lung and stop cough. Loquat fruit moistens the Lung, generates fluid and harmonizes the Stomach—it is not the leaf. Loquat seed is bitter-cold, soothes the Liver and moves Qi, contains amygdalin, and must not stand in for the leaf. Do not swap in un-dehaired fallen leaves or another tree’s foliage. Write Pi Pa Ye or Mi Pi Pa Ye; wrap it in the decoction.
What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Pi Pa Ye?
According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Pi Pa Ye is bitter and slightly cold, enters the Lung and Stomach channels, and acts to clear the Lung and stop cough, and downbear counterflow to stop vomit. It is used for Lung-heat cough, rebellious Qi with urgent wheezing, Stomach-heat vomiting and counterflow, and vexing heat with thirst. Bitter-downbearing and slightly cold—suited to Lung-Stomach heat with Qi rising, not to wind-cold cough or Stomach-cold vomiting.
How do you choose raw versus honey-fried Pi Pa Ye? Why remove the hairs and wrap the decoction?
Clear the Lung, stop cough and dryness-heat rebellious cough with honey-fried Pi Pa Ye; clear the Stomach, downbear counterflow and retching with the raw leaf—some also fry it with ginger juice. Down on the leaf back irritates the throat and can worsen cough; brush it clean or decoct wrapped in cloth. First- or late-decoction is not required.
Learn More About Pi Pa Ye
Explore our in-depth article covering the traditional uses, properties, functions, and TCM context of Pi Pa Ye.
Read the Pi Pa Ye Guide →
Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.
