Selfheal Fruit Spike — Classic Formulas
Xia Ku Cao · Spica Prunellae
Primary Actions
- Clears Liver fire and brightens the eyes - Xia Ku Cao is a key herb for red, swollen, painful eyes, headache, and dizziness from ascending Liver fire.
- Dissipates nodules and reduces swelling - it is classically used for scrofula, goiter, thyroid nodules, breast lumps, and other hard masses linked to phlegm-fire.
- Drains constrained heat and resolves toxicity - traditional use extends to sore throat, hot swellings, and breast carbuncle patterns.
Classic Formulas
- Eye-clearing pairings with Ju Hua and Jue Ming Zi - traditional formula lineages use Xia Ku Cao when red eyes and headache reflect rising Liver fire.
- Nodule-dissolving lineages pair Xia Ku Cao with Hai Zao and Kun Bu for scrofula, goiter, and phlegm-fire masses.
- Single-herb and simple tea preparations are also traditional for summer heat with red eyes and irritability.
Classical Text References
- TCM healing-herb and TCM Wiki materia medica sources describe Xia Ku Cao as bitter, pungent, and cold, entering the Liver and Gallbladder to clear fire and dissipate swelling.
- Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing is cited as the earliest major classical source for Xia Ku Cao and emphasizes its use for scrofula, sores, and constrained heat.