Heal All, Xià Kū Cǎo, 夏枯草, Spica Prunellae Vulgaris
Disclaimer For educational purposes only. Do not use as medical advice
HealthBotanyChinese MedicineCaution
Health Benefits
For: HIV • Colon cancer • Tumor • Hyperglycemia • Hypertension • Cholesterol • Endometriosis • Allergy • UVA Radiation • Herpes HSV-1 and HSV-2 • Wounds (cuts and burns)
The leaves are applied to wounds to promote healing, treats mouth sores and herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2). Prepared salves are available online. Prunella vulgaris also has antiestrogenic activities that can help prevent endometriosis and uterine receptivity. [ref] Fruit spikes are used in Chinese medicine to treat tuberculosis and hypertension.[ref] Study show prunella vulgaris significantly decreased total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL-cholesterol, increased the HDL-cholesterol, and may mitigate the onset of diabetic atherosclerosis.[ref]
Ursolic acid inhibits cancer, Oleanolic acid is Anti-HIV, Maslinic acid is anti-colon cancer and rosmarinic acid is antitumor and anti-metastatic.[ref]
Remarks
At home, Prunella Vulgaris is the go to herb after too much fried chicken or other greasy food. Greasy food "heats/inflames" organs and often results in sore throat and other heat signs. Grandma would boil a handful of the herb in water and have us drink it as tea. During seasonal allergy season, I add the herbs to my daily tea mix.
Photos (Click to enlarge)
Fun Facts
Other Names: Prunella vulgaris L. • Heal all • Self heal • Mountain self heal • Narrowleaf • Lanceleaf selfheal Plant Family: Labiatae (Mint)
It is a common plant found on roadsides and fields throughout North America, Asia and Europe. Prunella Vulgaris is edible. It's used in salads, stews, soup, or made as a tea. It is applied externally for cuts and burns.
Species
The following are the 3 species of prunella vulgaris. Other than location, no notable variation in the 3 in terms of usage, benefits, or cautions were found.
Prunella vulgaris ssp. aleutica– Aleutian selfheal - Native to Alaska.
Indications: Hypertension. Red, swollen painful eyes due to Liver heat, Liver Yang Rising, or Liver deficiency. Nodules - especially in the throat and Upper Jiao.
Contraindications: Autoimmune disorder • Allergic to mint • Spleen deficiency • Stomach deficiency
Typical Dosage: Spikes and flowers: 9-15g in formulas; up to 30 g when used alone. Leaves: applied to wounds Guidelines
Parts Used: Spikes • Flowers • Leaves
Notes: There are three main causes of eye problems: 1. Wind-heat in the Liver channel(Ju Hua/Gou Qi Zi) 2. Liver heat and Liver yang rising (Xia Ku Cao/ Jue Ming Zi) 3. Kidney and Liver yin deficiency. Xia Ku Cao means “summer withered herb.”
Dui Yao
■ XIA KU CAO/ ZHE BEI MU: Neck lumps/nodules such as in scrofula, lipoma, swollen glands, or goiter due to Phlegm-Fire. Similar nodules in the inguinal canal and other parts of the body. Xia Ku Cao Gao.[35] ■ XIA KU CAO/ JUE MING ZI: clear Liver heat and Liver fire to brighten the eyes, treating red, swollen, painful eyes due to Liver heat ascending the channel up into the eyes.[42]
Combine With
Purpose
Ju Hua + Shi Jue Ming
Vertigo, headaches, red eye from liver fire
Xiang Fu
Watery and painful eye
Dang Gui + Bai Shao
Liver deficiency eye pain in the evenings
Xuan Shen + Mu Li
Phlegm fire nodules
Chai Hu
Obstructed liver qi neck nodules
Formulas with Xia Ku Cao:
Long Dan Bi Yuan Fang, Xia Ku Cao Gao
Alert
Be cautions with all medicine.
Potential allergy: If you are allergic to mint, this plant is part of Lamiaceae (Mint) Family.
Potential Drug Interactions
Herbal medicine may interact negatively with pharma drugs and other herbs. Examples below:
Herbs: ♦ Anticoagulants: American Ginseng, Arnica, Rou Gui, Chamomile, Dan Shen, Dang Gui, Deertongue, Sheng Jiang, Goji Berry, Ginko Nutes, Notoginseng, Peach Kernel, Hong Hua, Sweet Clover, Vanilla Grass
Pharma Drugs:Known for its vasodilation effect, can help lower blood pressure in individuals with hypertension.
Information in this post came from many sources, including class notes, practitioners, websites, webinars, books, magazines, and editor's personal experience. While the original source often came from historical Chinese texts, variations may result from the numerous English translations. Always consult a doctor prior to using these drugs. The information here is strictly for educational purposes.
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