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Qu Mai (Pronounced "Qu")

Taste: Bitter, Acrid. Nature: Cold. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Indications: Mainly treats Guan Ge (obstruction syndrome) and various types of Long Jie (stagnation and blockage), urinary retention, expulsion of foreign bodies, resolution of carbuncles and swellings, brightening the eyes and removing nebula, breaking blood stasis and inducing abortion, expelling stagnant blood, nourishing Kidney Qi, driving out pathogenic rebellion in the Bladder, stopping Hu Luan (cholera-like symptoms with vomiting and diarrhea), and promoting hair growth. Also known as Ju Ju Mai, Da Ju, or Da Lan. Grows in the valleys of Mount Tai. Harvest the fruit after Start of Autumn, dry in shade. (Cao and Mu Dan are its assistants; avoid using with Piao Xiao.)

Tao Hongjing states: It is now produced in nearby regions. A single stem produces fine leaves; the flowers are red-purple and crimson, quite lovely. The seeds and leaves are harvested together. The seeds resemble wheat, hence the name Qu Mai. This category actually comprises two types: one is slightly larger, with forked petal edges, but it is unknown which is the authentic variety? Currently, the market uses the smaller type. Another type has broader leaves similar to the first but hairy, blooms late, and is very red. According to the *Classic*, one should harvest the fruit. The seeds are extremely fine and fall off completely when dry and ripe. Currently, the market only uses stems and leaves, while the fruits are empty shells without seeds. Minister Yu Xi et al. respectfully note according to *Yao Xing Lun*: Qu Mai, as a minister herb, has a sweet taste. It mainly treats Wu Lin (five types of strangury). Ri Hua Zi states: Qu Mai induces labor, also known as Du Mu Cao, Yan Mai, or You Mai, and is said to be Dianthus superbus (Shi Zhu). Leaves treat hemorrhoids and bloody diarrhea; can be made into soup or porridge. Seeds treat amenorrhea, break blood masses, and discharge pus. Leaves treat pediatric ascariasis; decoct for hemorrhoids. For Dan Shi drug eruptions, eye swelling and pain, and toxic swellings, crush and apply externally. Treats Jin Yin Chuang (weeping eczema) and women's yin sores.

*Tu Jing* states: Qu Mai grows in the valleys of Mount Tai and is now found everywhere. The seedling is about one chi high, with small pointed green leaves, purple-black roots resembling fine turnips. Flowers are red-purple and crimson, similar to Rhododendron mucronulatum (Ying Shan Hong). Blooms from February to May. Bears fruit in spikes in July; seeds resemble wheat, hence the name. After Start of Autumn, harvest seeds and leaves together and dry in shade. Those from Heyang and Hezhong Prefectures have usable seedlings. Those from Huai Dian have thin roots, and villagers use them as brooms. *Er Ya* calls it "Da Ju". *Guang Ya* calls it "Zi Wei", which is this plant. In ancient and modern formulas, unblocking the Heart Meridian and benefiting the Small Intestine are most important. Zhang Zhongjing treats unfavorable urination with water qi using Gua Lou Qu Mai Wan. Trichosanthes root 2 liang, large Fu Zi 1 piece, Poria 3 liang, Dioscorea 3 liang, Qu Mai 1 fen. Pound five substances into powder, make honey pills like wu zi size. Take 3 pills per dose, three times daily. If ineffective, increase to 7-8 pills. Consider effective when urination becomes smooth and abdomen feels warm.

Lei Gong states: When used, only use the husk/shell, not stems or leaves. If used all at once, it causes breathlessness and urinary incontinence in fasting individuals. When intending to use, there are further prescriptions: Treating Shi Lin (lithiasis strangury). Take seeds, administer with wine using a fang cun bi measure; stones should pass within one or two days. *Qian Jin Fang*: Treats prolonged labor where delivery fails for several days, or fetal death in utero causing maternal peril. Boil Qu Mai into thick juice and administer. Mei Shi Fang: Treats bamboo or wood splinters embedded in flesh that cannot be removed. Powder Qu Mai, administer with water using a fang cun bi measure. Or boil Qu Mai juice and drink. Three times daily. Same as *Qian Jin*. Cui Shi treats Yu Qi Chuang (fish-mouth ulcer) toxic swelling; burn to ash, mix with oil, and apply to the swelling, very effective.

*Yan Yi* states: Qu Mai is used in Ba Zheng San; currently regarded by people as an essential herb. If the Heart Meridian has heat but the Small Intestine is deficient, taking it will leave Heart heat unresolved while causing new pathology in the Small Intestine. Presumably, the intent is merely because Heart and Small Intestine are interior-exterior partners and transmit through each other, thus using this herb entering the Small Intestine. According to the *Classic*, Qu Mai does not directly treat Heart heat. If there is no significant Heart heat, one should only treat the Heart. If suppression is incomplete, one must seek its affiliated organ to attenuate the condition. The rationale for using Ba Zheng San is thus.