Individual Herbs Notebook

Qu Mai

Pharmaceutical: Herba Dianthi
Taxonomy: Dianthus superbus

Other names: Fringed Pink Dianthus

Category: Herbs that Drain Dampness



Properties: Bitter, cold

Meridans Entered:
Primary: Heart, Small Intestine and Bladder
Divergent Zones: Taiyang
Extraordinary Vessels: Yin Qiao


Traditional Actions/Indications:
  1. Drains Damp-Heat from the Urinary Bladder, promotes urination and unblocks painful urinary dysfunction
    Damp-Heat Painful Urinary Dysfunction, especially Blood Lin
  2. Breaks up Blood Stasis, invigorates Blood circulation and regulates menstruation
    Amenorrhea due to Blood Stasis (auxiliary)
  3. Unblocks the bowels
    Constipation
  4. Purges Heart and Small Intestine Fire
    Heart Fire leading to Small Intestine Excess Heat

Suggested Daily Dosage: 9-15g in decoction.


Cautions: It is cold and descending in property and can cause abortion, so it is contraindicated for pregnant women.


Appears in 6 formulae listed on this site: (click to display)
Research Links & References: (click to display)