Wu Mei - Fructus Mume

Wu Mei 乌梅, the smoked fruit of Prunus mume, is a unique herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that combines sour astringency with potent therapeutic actions. Its special smoking process enhances both preservative and medicinal qualities, making it indispensable for conditions involving abnormal fluid loss and parasitic disorders.

Traditional applications described for educational purposes. Professional guidance recommended for therapeutic use.

Key Benefits
Astringes Intestines (涩肠止泻) – Stops chronic diarrhea and dysentery without causing stagnation.
Expels Parasites (安蛔止痛) – Unique ability to calm roundworm agitation in biliary colic.
Generates Fluids (生津止渴) – Relieves thirst in febrile diseases or yin deficiency.
Calms Cough (敛肺止咳) – For chronic cough without phlegm (especially lung deficiency type).

Dosage & Administration
Decoction: 6–12g (often combined with Huang Lian for dysentery).
Parasite Protocol: 15–30g in acute cases (with Bin Lang and Ku Lian Pi).
Tea: 3–5g smoked plums soaked in hot water for summer thirst.
Classic Formulas:
Wu Mei Wan – For parasitic abdominal pain.
Sheng Mai San variation – For fluid-deficient cough.

Characteristics
Taste: Extremely sour, astringent with smoky undertones.
Nature: Neutral (despite sour taste, not excessively cold).

Safety Notes
Contraindicated in early-stage diarrhea with exterior pathogens.
High doses may cause gastric irritation in sensitive patients.
Avoid during active bacterial dysentery without proper antimicrobials.