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Wu Mei (烏梅), the smoked Chinese plum, astringes the Lung to stop chronic cough, astringes the Intestines to stop chronic diarrhoea, generates fluids to relieve thirst, and calms and expels roundworm.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Prunus mume (Fructus Mume)
Common English Name
Smoked plum
Taste
Sour, astringent
Temperature
Neutral
Channels Entered
Lung, Spleen, Large Intestine, Liver
Actions & Functions
- Astringes the Lung and stops chronic cough
- Astringes the Intestines and stops chronic diarrhoea
- Generates fluids and relieves thirst
- Calms roundworm (abdominal pain, vomiting)
Indications
Chronic cough from Lung deficiency; chronic diarrhoea and dysentery; thirst and wasting-thirsting; and roundworm with abdominal pain.
Dosage
3-9 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
Chief herb of Wu Mei Wan for roundworm and chronic diarrhoea.
Cautions & Contraindications
Avoid in the exterior stage and in excess heat or food stagnation.
