Xia Ku Cao
Name: Prunella (夏枯草)
Pinyin: Xia Ku Cao
Pharm. Name: Spica Prunellae
Properties:
|
Taste |
Characteristics |
Organs |
Dosage |
|
Bitter |
Tonify qi, nourish yin, clear heat, and promote the generation of body fluid. |
Gall Bladder |
6-18g 30g (Maximum, Alone) |
Description:
This herb is similar to Ren Shen, with the action of tonifying qi and promoting the generation of body fluid. Therefore, it is indicated for both qi and yin deficiency syndrome and diabetes. The qi-tonifying action of Xi Yang Shen is weaker than Ren Shen, but it can clear heat, nourish yin and promote the generation of body fluid due to its bitter taste and cool nature. It is mostly indicated for the injury of qi and yin by a heat pathogen. This herb is not tonifying lung-qi, but also nourishing lung-yin, clearing lung heat, therefore, it is indicated for chronic cough with little phlegm, hemoptysis, dry throat, and lassitude caused by lung-qi and lung-yin deficiency.