Gypsophila vaccaria is a
species of
flowering plant in the family
Caryophyllaceae. It is native from
Portugal and
Morocco to the
Himalayas, and has been introduced into temperate areas worldwide.[1] Among its many
synonyms is Vaccaria hispanica, which was the only species placed in the genus Vaccaria. It is known by several common names including cowherb, cowcockle,[2]cow basil, cow soapwort, and prairie carnation. It is an annual herb with blue-gray, waxy herbage and pale pink flowers.
The
seeds of the species are used in
Chinese medicine. This medicinal is known as wáng bù liú xíng (王不留行, so beneficial at promoting circulation, even the "king cannot stay its movement"). It is used for specific types of menstrual concerns, certain types of arthritis, to promote lactation, to promote blood circulation, and to relieve some types of swellings.[3]