Qu Mai
Dianthus superbus L.
โฏ TCM Properties
Promotes Urination and Relieves Stranguria; Clears Heat from the Heart and Small Intestine; Invigorates Blood and Regulates Menstruation; Clears Damp-Heat from the Lower Burner
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Dianthus superbus, fringed pink or Qu Mai, is a perennial herb in the Caryophyllaceae family, native to temperate Eurasia and reaching 30-80 cm. Slender erect stems are glabrous, swollen at the nodes, and branching in the inflorescence. Linear-lanceolate opposite leaves 3-10 cm long are bluish-green with sheathing bases. Showy fragrant flowers 3-5 cm across have five deeply fringed petals in pale pink to lilac, with a slender calyx tube 2.5-4 cm long subtended by short bracts; they bloom in summer in meadows, woodland margins, and montane grasslands. The whole flowering aerial parts are cut and dried for medicinal use.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 9-15g | Daily | โ | โ | โ |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Qu Mai (dianthus herb, fringed pink) is a cold, bitter herb that clears Damp-Heat and strongly promotes urination. It is the principal herb in Chinese medicine for urinary tract infections with burning, painful, or difficult urination from Lower Burner Damp-Heat. It also invigorates Blood and promotes menstruation, making it useful for amenorrhea from Blood stagnation. Its combined diuretic and Blood-activating properties make it applicable to conditions at the intersection of Damp-Heat accumulation and Blood stasis in the lower body.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.