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Xia Ku Cao夏枯草

Prunellae Spica · Prunella Spike · Self-Heal Spike

Herbs that Clear Heat 清热药《神农本草经》

Overview

The dried fruiting spike of self-heal, gathered in early summer as the plant begins to wither — the habit its Chinese name records. Bitter, acrid and cold, it drains Liver fire and brightens the eyes, and its second long-standing use is dissolving the firm phlegm-fire lumps of the neck and breast.

Nature & Flavor

Acrid, bitter · Cold

Channels

Liver · Gallbladder

Typical Dosage

9–15 g in decoction
夏枯草Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Clears Liver fire, brightens the eyesRed, swollen, painful eyes with photophobia and tearing, and the dull eye ache that worsens after dark; also Liver-fire headache and dizziness.
  • Dissipates nodules, disperses massesScrofula, goiter and other firm phlegm-fire lumps; commonly paired with Xuan Shen and Mu Li.
  • Calms ascendant Liver yangUsed in modern practice for Liver-yang headache and raised blood pressure with a wiry pulse.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Xia Ku Cao

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Red, painful eyes and Liver-fire headache
    - Scrofula, goiter and thyroid nodules
    - Dizziness and headache of ascendant Liver yang
    - Breast nodules with distending pain

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

ConjunctivitisGoiterLymphadenopathyHypertension

Contraindications

Cautions

Cold and draining: use cautiously, or with warming digestives alongside, where the Spleen and Stomach are weak with poor appetite and loose stool. Prolonged high-dose use can bring on stomach discomfort.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: No specific restriction — practitioner judgment applies

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.