Natural Herb Library™
TCM Herb

Prunella vulgaris (Xià Kū Cǎo)

Educational only. This site does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe. Discuss any herb or supplement with a qualified healthcare professional, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, on medications, or have medical conditions.
Latin Prunella vulgaris
Pinyin Xià Kū Cǎo
Common Names Self-heal spike, Xia Ku Cao
TCM Category Clear Heat, Resolve Toxicity
Nature cold
Flavor bitter, acrid
Meridians Liver, Gallbladder
Indications
Dosage • Forms:
Contraindications
Interactions

Common uses (educational)

Naturopathic context (educational): In integrative practices, herbs in the Clear Heat, Resolve Toxicity group like Prunella vulgaris are often discussed for general wellness themes (e.g., digestive comfort, respiratory support, or stress resilience), with emphasis on individualized assessment, conservative dosing, and monitoring for interactions.

Homeopathic context (educational): Homeopathy is a distinct modality using highly diluted preparations based on “like cures like.” Mentions here are descriptive only; dilutional homeopathic products do not contain pharmacologically active amounts of plant constituents, and evidence for efficacy varies.

These summaries are not medical advice, not claims of efficacy, and not usage instructions.