Wū Méi (乌梅) — Mume Plum / Smoked Plum

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Modern research
5. Cautions and contraindications
6. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Wū Méi (乌梅) is the unripe fruit of Prunus mume, the Chinese plum, smoke-dried until it turns black. It belongs to the category of Astringent herbs in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the most useful sour-astringent herbs in Chinese herbal medicine. It is the chief herb in the classical Jin Gui Yao Lue formula Wū Méi Wán.

I prescribe Wū Méi as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Astringes the Lung and stops chronic cough
2. Astringes the Intestines and stops chronic diarrhoea
3. Generates fluids and quenches thirst
4. Calms and expels roundworm (the classical indication)
5. Stops bleeding from the Intestines and uterus

Indications

1. Chronic cough with little phlegm from Lung deficiency
2. Chronic diarrhoea, dysentery and ulcerative colitis
3. Persistent thirst and dry mouth, including diabetic xerostomia
4. Biliary, intestinal and pancreatic ascariasis (roundworm) — the classical chief indication of Wu Mei Wan
5. Chronic recurrent uterine bleeding and bloody stool
6. Adjunctive use in chronic Lyme disease and Gu syndrome presentations alongside antimicrobials

4. Modern research

Mume plum contains organic acids (citric, malic, succinic), oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, sterols and amino acids. Studies report antibacterial (against E. coli, Shigella, H. pylori), antifungal, antiviral, anti-parasitic, choleretic and hepatoprotective effects. The sour pulp also stimulates digestive secretions, helping to address the “dry mouth, no appetite” presentation that follows long febrile illness. Modern Chinese gastroenterology continues to investigate Wu Mei Wan for ulcerative colitis, refractory IBS and biliary dyskinesia.

5. Cautions and contraindications

Contraindicated in acute exterior conditions (wind-cold or wind-heat invasion), in early-stage diarrhoea before the pathogen has been expelled (its astringent action could lock the pathogen in), and in acute dysentery with food stagnation. The sour flavour can erode tooth enamel with prolonged daily use — rinse the mouth after taking decoctions.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM).

6. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Wū Méi as part of tailored herbal formulas for chronic diarrhoea and ulcerative colitis flares, refractory irritable bowel syndrome, chronic post-viral cough with dryness, and complex chronic infections within a Gu syndrome framework. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available.

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