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Lv E Mei绿萼梅

Mume Flos · Green Plum Blossom · Mume Flower

Herbs that Regulate the Qi 理气药《本草纲目》

Overview

The unopened flower bud of the green-calyx mume plum, also dispensed as Mei Hua. Slightly sour and astringent and neutral in temperature, it enters the Liver, Stomach and Lung. It is the gentlest herb in this chapter: it soothes a constrained Liver and settles the Stomach without the drying, scattering quality that limits the acrid qi-movers, which makes it usable over longer courses and in patients whose yin will not tolerate stronger herbs. Its signature use is plum-pit qi — the sensation of something lodged in the throat that comes and goes with mood.

Nature & Flavor

slightly sour, astringent · Neutral

Channels

Liver · Stomach · Lung

Typical Dosage

3–5 g in decoction
绿萼梅Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Soothes the Liver, harmonises the StomachLiver qi constraint pressing on the Stomach: oppression in the chest, sighing, poor appetite, epigastric and flank distension that worsens with stress.
  • Transforms phlegm, opens the throatPlum-pit qi — a lump in the throat that cannot be swallowed away or spat out, with normal swallowing of food.
  • Dissipates nodulesScrofulous nodules and stubborn sores, in supporting combinations.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Lv E Mei

No published formula lists this herb yet — the library is growing.

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Liver-Stomach qi pain with chest and flank distension
    - Plum-pit qi with a lump sensation in the throat
    - Irritability and low mood with poor appetite
    - Nodules and lingering sores (supporting role)

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

Globus sensationFunctional dyspepsiaAnxietyLow mood

Contraindications

Cautions

A mild herb with no recorded toxicity. Its very gentleness is the caution: it will not resolve a severe or long-standing constraint on its own, and a persistent lump in the throat, difficulty swallowing solids, weight loss or hoarseness are red flags that need medical investigation rather than a longer course of tea.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Gentle and not a classical pregnancy prohibition; still, use during pregnancy on the advice of the treating practitioner.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Dispensed as 梅花 in 《中华人民共和国药典》(2020 edition).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》(2020 edition).
    4. 《中药学》(新世纪第二版), chapter on herbs that regulate the qi.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.