Self-Heal Spike
夏枯草
Xia Ku Cao·Brunelle commune
Prunellae Spica
- Traced and verified origin
- Dispatched within 24/48h, packed to order
- Kept away from light and moisture
According to the classical texts
清肝泻火 明目 散结消肿
Pinyin
Qing Gan Xie Huo · Ming Mu · San Jie Xiao Zhong
Overview
Xia Ku Cao means “the herb that withers in summer” — a curious phenomenon that struck the old herbalists: selfheal (Prunella vulgaris), though a perennial, sees its inflorescences dry out from the summer solstice, as though it were taking in the heat of the season.
The purplish-brown flower spikes are harvested at that moment and dried.
Traditional uses
A herb turned specifically towards a heated Wood Phase — a constitution of excessive Yang that climbs upward, disturbs the gaze and tightens the nape.
Traditionally used as well for hard accumulations in the Wood Phase and in that of .
Preparation and traditional-use quantity
- Decoction: 9 to 15 g, simmer for 25 minutes
- Infusion: extended use is possible for constitutions of Wood Heat, in agreement with a practitioner
- External compresses: a concentrated infusion for local application to the eyelids
Precautions
To be avoided in cases of deficient Yang with deep cold or of weak Earth.


