The whole plant, including the spicy scented flowers of D. superbus or Qu Mai is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for a full spectrum of health concerns. In particular: urinary system problems and to treat amenorrhea, oesophageal cancer, stomach cancer and colon cancer. The plant is thought to contain anthocyanin. In accordance with the description from Chinese Materia Medica, it is bitter in flavour and cold in nature. It covers meridians of heart, liver, small intestine, and bladder. Basic functions are inducing diuresis, eliminating damp-heat, and activating blood circulation to promote menstruation. It should be avoided in cases of pregnant women and spleen-kidney deficiency.

Chinese Herbs Healing. 2012. Dianthus (Qu Mai). [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.chineseherbshealing.com/dianthus/. [Accessed 29 July 2016]. http://www.chineseherbshealing.com/dianthus/

Although it has been used in TCM for over 2,000 years, Dianthus superbus is not commonly used on its own. It is often taken with Dan Shen (Salvia multiorrhiza) to induce menstruation. The closely related Dianthus chinensis has the same uses as Qu Mai and is more commonly used. The plant is abortifacient, contraceptive, diuretic, emmenagogue, ophthalmic, tonic and vulnerary. It is said to promote hair growth. The plant is taken internally in the treatment of acute urinary tract infections (especially cystitis), urinary stones, constipation and failure to menstruate. Externally, it is applied to skin inflammations and swellings.

Plants for a Future. 2012. Dianthus superbus. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Dianthus+superbus. [Accessed 29 July 2016]. http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Dianthus+superbus

Europe, Southwestern Europe, France

Europe, Southeastern Europe, Bulgaria

Europe, Southeastern Europe, Greece

Europe, Southeastern Europe, Yugoslavia

Europe, Eastern Europe, Belarus

Europe, Eastern Europe, Northwest European Russia

Europe, Eastern Europe, Ukraine

Europe, Middle Europe, Austria

Europe, Middle Europe, Czech Republic

Europe, Middle Europe, Germany

Europe, Middle Europe, Hungary

Europe, Middle Europe, Netherlands

Europe, Middle Europe, Poland

Europe, Middle Europe, Switzerland

Europe, Northern Europe, Denmark

Europe, Northern Europe, Finland

Europe, Northern Europe, Norway

Europe, Northern Europe, Sweden

Asia-Temperate, Siberia

Asia-Temperate, Middle Asia, Kazakhstan

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Asia-Temperate, Russian Far East

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