Dianthus Seed
구맥 (瞿麥) · Dianthus chinensis L.
Water-disinhibiting, stranguria-relieving herb
Cold
Bitter, pungent (some sources: sweet)
Heart, Small Intestine, Bladder
NatureCold
TasteBitter, pungent (some sources: sweet)
MeridiansHeart, Small Intestine, Bladder
Part usedSeed capsule only
FamilyCaryophyllaceae
CategoryWater-disinhibiting, stranguria-relieving herb
Find by concern: Painful urination
Overview
Dianthus seed's name is refreshingly literal — its seeds resemble wheat grains, giving it the name "wheat-like" (瞿麥). The Donguibogam is precise about which part to use: not the stem or leaf, only the seed capsule, gathered after the pink fringed flowers fade in early autumn.
In the Donguibogam
東醫
寶鑑
寶鑑
性寒, 味苦辛一云甘, 無毒. 主關格諸癃結, 小便不通, 出刺, 決癰腫, 明目去瞖, 破胎墮子. 通心經, 利小腸爲最要.
Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)
TranslationIts nature is cold, its taste bitter and pungent (some say sweet), and it is non-toxic. It mainly treats blockage and all forms of urinary stranguria and retention, difficult urination, and expels lodged splinters, resolves boils and swelling, brightens the eyes and removes film, and can cause miscarriage of a pregnancy. It is most essential for opening the heart meridian and benefiting the small intestine.
Traditional functions
- Promotes urination
- Relieves painful urinary blockage
- Brightens the eyes
- Breaks blood stasis
Traditional applications
- Difficult or painful urination
- Urinary blockage
- Eye redness or film
- Boils and swelling
Traditional preparation
Decoction 4–12g of the seed capsule only. Contraindicated in pregnancy.
Cautions
Caution: The Donguibogam explicitly records that this herb can cause miscarriage — it must never be used during pregnancy. Only the seed capsule is used, never the stem or leaf. Consult a professional.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called "wheat-like" (瞿麥)?
The Donguibogam explains its seeds resemble wheat grains, which is the direct origin of the name.
Is dianthus seed safe during pregnancy?
No — the Donguibogam explicitly records that it can cause miscarriage. It must never be used during pregnancy and should only be used under professional guidance.
Sources
- 동의보감 탕액편 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 한의학고전DB 탕액편 대조 검증 완료 (DATA-001)
- 한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)
DonguiHub is an educational and informational platform about the history and tradition of Korean medicine. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about health conditions and before using any herb.