夏枯草 Xia Ku CaoPrunella Vulgaris Chinese herbs Common selfhe Spica Prunellae

Spica Prunellae is one of many herbs used in Chinese medicine. It is commonly known as the selfheal fruit-spike or Xioakucao from the Prunellae vulgaris plant. Mainly found in the Chinese provinces such as Jiangsu, Anhui and Henan, the fruit turns brownish-red in the summer and is left to dry in the sun once all foreign matter is removed. They are lightweight and have a faint odor and mild taste.

Traditional Uses

The plant is called hsia-ku-tsao in China and is used for a tonic. The flower heads of the Spica Prunellae and the lower leaves are ingested to treat fevers and rheumatism. Spica prunellae has a reputation in China for keeping people well even when there is an outbreak of an infectious disease. It was used extensively among troops to help prevent the spread of illness. Taken as a tea, it is purported to help liver function, which results in clear, bright eyes. Helps heal swollen lymph glands or lumps in the neck and acts to boost immunity. Spica prunellae helps women who have distress during menstruation, bloating or indigestion, urinary problems, or heavy bleeding during menstruation causing anemia.