Qu Mai - Dianthus

TCM Materia Medica

Qu Mai TCM Herb Classifications and Usages

The TCM herb "qu mai" which in english is "dianthus", is categorized within the "herbs that drain dampness" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the heart, small intestine and urinary bladder channels and exhibits bitter (ku) and cold (han) taste/temperature properties.

Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:

  • Dosage: 6-12g

Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:

  • Clears damp heat, promotes urination, unblocks lin syndrome - for any lin, especially xue lin.
  • Breaks up blood stasis - amenorrhea due to blood stasis.
  • Unblocks the bowels - constipation.

Qu Mai has some precautions to be considered (see our precautions list).

  • Avoid during Pregnancy.

While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, qu mai is generally included in the following 2 formulas:

ViewBa Zheng Wan (Eight Herb Powder for Rectification)

Painful urination when it arises from damp heat syndrome - urinary tract infections, leukorrhea, cystitis. Prostatitis when from damp heat.

ViewLi Niao Pai Shi Wan (Water Stone Removal Pill)

 Useful for a range of calcifications/stones - kidney stones, bladder stones, ureter stones and when the underlying pathology is appropriate gallstones.  Generally involves collections of damp heat i…

As noted above, qu mai is within the herbs that drain dampness functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.

(truncated intro "... there are two main types of dampness: accumulation of fluids in the body - edema, congested fluids (respiratory and digestive system). these herbs are good for edema below the wais…)".

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