Herbs that Drain Fire
Xia Ku Cao 夏枯草
Spica Prunellae Vulgaris Prunella or Selfheal Spike
✓ CALE Exam ✓ National Exam
Materia Medica Data
- Category
- Herbs that Drain Fire
- Temperature
- Cold
- Nature & Flavour
- Bitter, Spicy, Cold
- Channels Entered
- GB, LIV
- Latin (pharmaceutical)
- Spica Prunellae Vulgaris
- Chinese
- 夏枯草
- Tone Marks
- xià kū căo
- Translation
- Summer Withered Herb
Chinese Herb Actions
- Clears Heat From the Liver and Brightens the Eyes For Liver Fire ascending, high Blood pressure, red, painful, and swollen eyes. Also for headache, dizziness, and eye pain due to Liver deficiency (eyes sensitive to light and tender).
- Eliminates Nodules Treats swollen thyroid, swollen glands, or any neck swelling due to phlegm fire. Also used to treat nodules in the inguinal area and other parts of the body (mastitis, etc.).
Chinese Herb Dosage
- 9-15 grams, up to 30 grams if used alone.
- Part used: spike.
Chinese Herb Contraindications & Cautions
- Caution in cases of weak spleen and stomach.
Chinese Herb Notes
- Toasting with honey can treat long term high blood pressure.
Sources & References
Compiled and edited by Thomas Dehli, Founder & Editor, Sacred Lotus
The information here is referenced from numerous sources — teachers, practitioners, class notes from Five Branches University, the books below, and the published research literature, with citations given as resolvable PubMed identifiers. Where sources disagree, I have flagged the discrepancies directly. If facts couldn't be verified, I have left them out. How we source our content.
Reference information for students and practitioners — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner. Terms of use.
Chinese Herbs Books & References
https://amzn.to/3WfB3DK
https://amzn.to/3DR1VUh
https://amzn.to/42aMz73
https://amzn.to/3PuD4bt