Xiao Mai
Triticum aestivum L.
☯ TCM Properties
Nourishes the Heart and Calms the Spirit; Clears Heat and Eliminates Irritability; Benefits the Kidneys; Generates Fluids and Relieves Thirst
Botanical Description
Triticum aestivum, common bread wheat, is an annual grass of the Poaceae family growing 60 to 130 cm tall, with hollow erect culms that branch only at the base into a tuft of fertile tillers. Leaves are linear, flat, 15 to 40 cm long and 0.6 to 1.5 cm wide, with a short membranous ligule and small clasping auricles at the base of each blade. The inflorescence is a dense terminal four-sided spike 5 to 12 cm long composed of two ranks of overlapping spikelets; each spikelet contains two to five florets enclosed by two stiff glumes. Many cultivars are awned, bearing long stiff bristles. The grain (caryopsis) is ovoid, 5 to 8 mm long, with a longitudinal ventral groove, ranging in color from pale amber to reddish-brown depending on cultivar. Mature seed used as Xiao Mai.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 9-30g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Xiao Mai (wheat grain) is a cool, sweet grain-food herb used in Chinese medicine primarily to nourish the Heart and calm the Spirit. It is used for the pattern of Liver Qi stagnation with Heat causing emotional lability — the "agitated discomfort" syndrome — with crying, emotional instability, inability to control oneself, and sleep disturbance. Light and gentle, it is a staple food-medicine that reflects the Chinese tradition of using ordinary foods for emotional and constitutional support.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.