Xia Ku Cao - épi de fruit séché - Prunella Vulgaris

Le Xia Ku Cao (épi de prunelle) est une plante froide et amère de la médecine traditionnelle chinoise (MTC) connue pour sa capacité à nettoyer le feu du foie, à dissiper les nodules et à abaisser la tension artérielle élevée. Elle est dérivée de l'épi fleuri de la Prunelle vulgaire et est très apprécié pour réduire les gonflements, améliorer la santé des yeux et traiter les affections causées par la chaleur et la stagnation dans le canal du foie. Xia Ku Cao est souvent utilisé dans les formules pour les yeux rouges et gonflés, les maux de tête, les vertiges, les goitres et les masses mammaires. En plus de ses propriétés de dissipation de la chaleur, il soutient la santé cardiovasculaire et calme l'excès de Yang du foie, ce qui le rend approprié pour l'hypertension et les symptômes liés au stress.
Fonctions et avantages
Clears Liver Fire and Improves VisionRelieves red, painful, and swollen eyes caused by excessive heat or Liver fire.
Dissipates Nodules and Reduces SwellingUsed for goiter, lymph node swelling, and breast lumps caused by phlegm and heat accumulation.
Calms the Liver and Subdues YangHelps reduce headaches, dizziness, and irritability due to hyperactive Liver Yang or Liver fire.
Supports Healthy Blood PressureAssists in managing hypertension related to Liver fire or Liver Yang rising.
Indications (Who Can Benefit from It?)✔ Individuals with red, swollen, or painful eyes from Liver fire.✔ People with headaches, dizziness, or irritability from excessive Liver Yang.✔ Those with goiter, swollen glands, or breast lumps caused by heat-phlegm.✔ Patients with high blood pressure linked to Liver patterns.
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCMTongue: Red with yellow coating, indicating heat in the Liver channel.Pulse: Wiry and rapid, reflecting Liver fire or hyperactive Yang.
Related TCM PatternsLiver Fire Flaring Up – Causes eye redness, headache, irritability, and dizziness.Phlegm-Fire Stagnation – Leads to swellings, nodules, or gland enlargement.Liver Yang Rising – Produces hypertension, headaches, and restlessness.
Clinical Applications (For Reference Only)Hypertension – Calms Liver Yang and supports healthy blood pressure.Eye Disorders – Reduces inflammation and improves vision in heat-related eye conditions.Goiter and Lumps – Dissipates nodules and clears heat-phlegm.Headaches from Liver Fire – Relieves pain and lowers internal heat.
Common Herbal Formulas with Xia Ku CaoOften combined with Ju Hua for eye redness and vision problems, or with Ban Xia and Bei Mu for nodules and swellings.
Precautions & ContraindicationsAvoid in cases of severe Spleen and Stomach deficiency with loose stools.Not suitable for cold-type headaches or eye disorders without heat.Use with caution in individuals with low blood pressure.
Lifestyle & Dietary Recommendations✔ Eat cooling foods such as cucumber, mung beans, and chrysanthemum tea to help clear heat.✔ Avoid spicy, greasy, or alcohol-heavy diets that aggravate Liver fire.✔ Practice stress reduction techniques to prevent excessive Liver Yang rising.✔ Get adequate rest to protect eye health and reduce internal heat.
ConclusionXia Ku Cao (Prunella Spike) is a cooling, Liver fire–clearing herb in TCM that benefits the eyes, reduces nodules, and supports cardiovascular health. It is an important choice for hypertension, eye inflammation, and heat-related swellings.