Xia Ku Cao - Selfheal Spike, Prunella

Clinical Applications

Clears liver and brightens the eyes - ascending liver fire with red, painful, swollen eyes, headache, dizziness (stronger than Mi Meng Hua, Jue Ming Zi, Qing Xiang Zi in clearing heat).
Clears heat and dissipates nodules - neck lumps, scrofula, lipoma, goiter, swollen glands due to phlegm fire.
Hypertension accompanied by liver fire or yang rising.

Functional Category

Herbs That Drain Fire

Temperature & Taste

Acrid Bitter (Ku) Cold (Han)

Channels Influenced

Gall Bladder Liver

Dosage & Preparation

Dosage: 9-15g
When used alone, up to 30g

Clinician Notes

Compare with Zhi Zi, Long Dan Cao, Chuan Lian Zi for clearing liver heat.
Compare with Mi Meng Hua, Jue Ming Zi, Xiao Ku Cao, Man Jing Zi, Shi Jue Ming - they all reduce liver fire, expel wind-heat from the head especially from the eyes, and descend liver yang.

Cautions & Precautions

Avoid in patients with stomach or spleen deficiency.

Relationships

TCM Formulas that include Xia Ku Cao (2)

Jiang Ya Wan Repress The Blood Pressure Pills 將壓
Nei Xiao Luo Li Wan Internally Reducing Cervical Lymphadenitis Pills 内消瘰疠片

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