Dongkuizi consists of the dried, mature seeds of *Malva verticillata*, a plant belonging to the Malvaceae family. Sweet in taste and cold in nature, it enters the Large Intestine, Small Intestine, and Bladder meridians. It functions to promote water metabolism and relieve painful urination, moisten the intestines to facilitate bowel movements, and promote lactation. It is primarily used to treat conditions such as difficult urination, *Lin* syndrome (strangury), edema, constipation due to intestinal dryness, and obstructed lactation.
I. Efficacy and Indications
1. Promoting Urination and Relieving Dysuria
Urinary Difficulty and Dysuria Syndromes:
Dongkuizi* (Winter Mallow Seed) clears and eliminates damp-heat; it is frequently used to treat symptoms such as frequent urination, urinary urgency, and painful urination associated with various forms of dysuria-including *Re Lin* (dysuria due to heat), *Shi Lin* (dysuria due to stones, e.g., urinary tract calculi), and *Xue Lin* (dysuria with hematuria).
Edema:
Through its diuretic action, it serves as an adjunct therapy to alleviate edema and abdominal distension caused by the internal accumulation of damp-heat or the stagnation of water and dampness.
2. Moistening the Intestines and Promoting Bowel Movements
Constipation due to Intestinal Dryness:
It is indicated for constipation resulting from intestinal dryness, and is particularly suitable for cases of difficult defecation caused by excessive internal heat leading to fluid depletion, or by insufficient body fluids in the elderly; it improves symptoms by lubricating the intestines and facilitating bowel movements.
3. Promoting Lactation
Postpartum Lactation Issues:
It is used to address postpartum conditions characterized by obstructed milk flow or insufficient milk production; it is often combined with other herbs that regulate menstruation and promote lactation to stimulate milk secretion.
4. Clearing Heat and Eliminating Dampness
Damp-Heat Conditions:
It offers a certain degree of therapeutic support for conditions such as jaundice caused by damp-heat, as well as carbuncles, sores, and toxic swellings.