Lilac Pink Herb - Arial Part (Dianthus superbus; Qu Mai) Granules 100 grams (3.5 oz): V

Functions: Remove heat Promote urination Smooth urination Indication: Urinary disturbances, urinary retention (Lin syndrome), blood in urine, carbuncle, amenorrhea. The leaves, stems and tops are boiled, steeped in water and eaten as a potherb. The fringed pink, called Qu Mai in Chinese herbalism, has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for over 2, 000 years. The whole plant is a bitter tonic herb that stimulates the digestive and urinary system, and also the bowels. It also lowers blood pressure, reduces fevers and controls bacterial infections. Little used on its own, it is often taken with Dan Shen (Salvia multiorrhiza) to induce menstruation. The closely related D. chinensis has the same uses as Qu Mai and is more commonly used. The plant is abortifacient, contraceptive, diuretic, emmenagogue, ophthalmic, tonic and vulnerary. It is said to promote hair growth. It is ranked 9th in a list of 250 potential antifertility Chinese plants. The plant is taken internally in the treatment of acute urinary tract infections (especially cystitis), urinary stones, constipation and failure to menstruate. Externally, it is applied to skin inflammations and swellings. The leaves are used in the treatment of haemorrhoids, lumbricoid worms, venereal sores etc. The flowers are astringent, diuretic, haemostatic, resolvent and vulnerary. Research has shown that the flowers are the most markedly diuretic part of the plant.