Herb Herbs that stabilize and bind

Wu Mei

Chinese plums | 乌梅

Prunus mume

TCM Properties

Temperature

Neutral

Taste

Sour

Organ Affinity

Large Intestine, Liver, Lungs, Spleen

Parts Used

Dried ripe fruit

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Wu Mei

Traditional Actions

Astringe the Lungs
Stop coughing
Astringe the Intestines
Stop diarrhea
Generate Body Fluids
Stop thirst
Calm roundworms to stop pain

Key TCM Concepts

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Wu Mei belongs to the 'Herbs that stabilize and bind' category. This category of herbs is used for treating abnormal discharges and displacement of Organs. This includes conditions such as diarrhea, discharges from the vagina, penis or rectum as well as prolapse of the Uterus or rectum. It is important to note that herbs in this category only treat symptoms, so one should also use herbs to treat the underlying Deficiency.

 

Furthermore Wu Mei is Neutral in nature. This means that Wu Mei typically doesn't affect the balance in your body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Eating too many "Hot" (Yang) ingredients can lead to an imbalance whereby one has a Yang Excess. The inverse is true as well: too many "Cold" (Yin) ingredients can lead to a Yin Excess. The Neutral nature of Wu Mei means that you don't have to worry about that!

 

Wu Mei also tastes Sour. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Sour ingredients like Wu Mei helps with digestion and restrain abnormal discharges of Fluids from the body, such as diarrhea or heavy sweating.

 

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Wu Mei is thought to target the Large intestine, the Liver, the Lung and the Spleen. In TCM the Large Intestine receives the "impure" parts of the digested food from the Small Intestine, absorbs the remaining fluids and excrete the remainder as feces. The Liver on the other hand is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions. In addition to performing respiration, the Lungs are thought in TCM to be a key part of the production chain for Qi and the Body Fluids that nourish the body. The Spleen assists with digestion, Blood coagulation and Fluids metabolism in the body.

Common Applications

Whooping cough Dysentery Diarrhea Intestinal parasites Abnormal uterine bleeding

Research Studies

Scientific research and clinical studies on Wu Mei

Prunus mume extract may inhibit Helicobacter pylori, associated with gastritis and gastric ulcers.1.

Prunus mume extract is a potential candidate for developing an oral antimicrobial agent to control or prevent dental diseases associated with several oral pathogenic bacteria.2.

Sources:

1. Miyazawa, M; Utsunomiya, H; Inada, K; Yamada, T; Okuno, Y; Tanaka, H; Tatematsu, M (January 2006). "Inhibition of Helicobacter pylori motility by (+)-Syringaresinol from unripe Japanese apricot". Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 29 (1): 172–3. doi:10.1248/bpb.29.172

2. Seneviratne, CJ; Wong, RW; Hägg, U; Chen, Y; Herath, TD; Samaranayake, PL; Kao, R (July 2011). "Prunus mume extract exhibits antimicrobial activity against pathogenic oral bacteria". International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry. 21 (4): 299–305. doi:10.1111/j.1365-263X.2011.01123.x

Preparation & Dosage

Traditional and modern methods for preparing Wu Mei

Traditional Preparation

The fruit is harvested when it is nearly mature and it becomes dark after being dried at low temperatures.

Recommended Dosage

Note: The following information is provided for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace professional medical advice.

3 - 9 grams

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Wu Mei

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any herb or supplement.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many herbs, Wu Mei may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.

Related Educational Resources

Formulas Containing Wu Mei

Discover traditional and modern TCM formulas that use Wu Mei as an ingredient to understand its clinical applications.

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