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. 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,[1] 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.[2]