3Xia Ku Cao - dried fruit-spike - Prunella Vulgaris

Xia Ku Cao (Prunella Spike) is a cold, bitter herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) known for its ability to clear Liver fire, dissipate nodules, and lower elevated blood pressure. It is derived from the flowering spike of Prunella vulgaris and is highly regarded for reducing swelling, improving eye health, and treating conditions caused by heat and stagnation in the Liver channel. Xia Ku Cao is often used in formulas for red, swollen eyes, headaches, dizziness, goiter, and breast lumps. In addition to its heat-clearing properties, it supports cardiovascular health and calms excessive Liver Yang, making it suitable for hypertension and stress-related symptoms.

Functions & Benefits

Clears Liver Fire and Improves Vision
Relieves red, painful, and swollen eyes caused by excessive heat or Liver fire.

Dissipates Nodules and Reduces Swelling
Used for goiter, lymph node swelling, and breast lumps caused by phlegm and heat accumulation.

Calms the Liver and Subdues Yang
Helps reduce headaches, dizziness, and irritability due to hyperactive Liver Yang or Liver fire.

Supports Healthy Blood Pressure
Assists 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 TCM
Tongue: Red with yellow coating, indicating heat in the Liver channel.
Pulse: Wiry and rapid, reflecting Liver fire or hyperactive Yang.

Related TCM Patterns
Liver 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 Cao
Often combined with Ju Hua for eye redness and vision problems, or with Ban Xia and Bei Mu for nodules and swellings.

Precautions & Contraindications
Avoid 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.

Conclusion
Xia 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.