Prunella ( 夏枯草 ) ...Chinese Herb...

Latin Plant Name

Prunellae Vulgaris

Pinyin Mandarin Name

Xia Ku Cao

Common English Name

Selfheal

Part of Plant Used

Whole or broken flowering spike

Nature

Cold

Taste

Sweet, acrid, slightly bitter

Meridians Entered

Liver, Gallbladder, Lungs

Common Usages

This herb is used in formulas to treat swollen lymph glands, goiter, tumors, abscesses, high blood pressure, and vertigo (TCM: swellings due to Liver fire and constraint); also used to treat headaches; and eye pain, swelling, and redness (TCM: Liver fire).

Traditional Usages and Functions

Clears Liver and brightens eyes; clears heat and dissipates nodules.

Common Formulas Used In

Leonuris and Achyranthes; Prunella and Scutellaria.

Processing Required

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Remarks

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Cautions in Use

Do not use where there is deficient Spleen or Stomach imbalances.



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