Single Herb Glossary
Wū Méi 烏梅
| Pharmaceutical name | Mume Fructus Mume fruit "dark plum" |
| Category | Stabilize and Bind |
| Key Properties | Preserves Lungs, Binds up Intestine Stops Bleeding, Generates Fluids Quiets Intestinal Parasites |
| Properties | Sour Astringent Warm |
| Tropism | LI, LV, LU, SP |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Inhibits Leakage LU Qi & Stops Coughs 2) Generate Fluids & Alleviate Thirst (XiaoKe, Def Heat) 3) Expel Roundworms & Alleviate Pain 4) Binds Up Intestine & Stop Diarrhea (diarrhea, dysentery) 5) Stops Bleeding (Uterine/Intestine) 6) Used Topically as Plaster to Treat Corns & Warts (remove decayed flesh) |
| Dosages | 6-12g Tropism: JueYin |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: Contraindicated in cases of internal heat from excess and stagnation, or unresolved exterior disorders; not suitable for acute diarrhea (as a single herb) or diarrhea from food poisoning or infections |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Organic acids, oleanolic acid, sitosterol |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Antibiotic: inhibitory effect against S. aureus, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus dysenteriae, E. coli, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and some dermatophytes • Skeletal muscle relaxant: administration of 100% decoction associated with inhibitory effect on intestines of rabbits • Antiparasitic: according to laboratory studies, moderate reduction of movement in roundworms when placed in a 5% herb solution, and significant reduction of movement when placed in a 30% solution • Antiaging: Wu Mei has an antiaging effect |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | |
| Classical Formula(s) |
Wu Shi Lian Mei Tang (Master Wu's Coptis and Mume Decoction) 吳氏連梅湯 Qin Jiao Bie Jia San (Large gentian and Soft-Shelled Turtle Shell Powder) 秦艽鱉甲散 Wu Mei Wan (Mume Pill) 烏梅丸 (乌梅丸) Er Chen Tang (Two Aged Decoction) 二陳湯 Jiu Xian San (delete Mi Zhi Ying Su Ke) (Nine-Immortal Powder) 九仙散（減蜜製罌粟殼） |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.