Qu Mai

Herbs that drain dampness

Channels: BL, HT, SI

Properties: Bitter, Cold

Common: Aerial Parts of Fringed Pink or Chinese Pink Dianthus

Latin: Herba Dianthi

Functions:

• To promote urination and regulate abnormal urination;
• To invigorate blood circulation

Indications & Combinations:

• Damp-heat in the urinary bladder manifested as scanty urine with blood, painful urination, frequent urination and urgency of micturition. Qumai is used with Mutong, Huashi and Bianxu in the formula Bazheng San.

• Amenorrhea from blood stagnation. Qumai is used with herbs that invigorate blood circulation, such as Taoren and Honghua.

Dosage:

• 10-15 g

Cautions & Contraindications:

• This herb is contraindicated during pregnancy.