Prunella vulgaris: efficacy and functions
Apr 18, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
Prunella vulgaris (Xia Ku Cao) has functions including reducing swelling and dissipating nodules, clearing heat and purging fire, and improving vision. It acts on the liver meridian, promoting the downward movement of liver fire, reducing phlegm production, and accelerating blood circulation, thereby relieving swelling and pain and dispersing blood stasis and nodules. With a bitter and cold nature, it can neutralize and suppress excessive internal heat. Excessive liver fire often causes eye pain. Prunella vulgaris clears liver fire, thus exerting a beneficial effect on vision.
Prunella vulgaris generally has the effects of reducing swelling and dissipating nodules, clearing heat and purging fire, and improving vision. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Reducing Swelling and Dissipating Nodules
It acts on the liver meridian, promoting the downward movement of liver fire, reducing phlegm production, accelerating blood circulation, and treating conditions such as scrofula. Thus, it helps alleviate swelling and pain and resolve blood stasis and nodules.
2. Clearing Heat and Purging Fire
With a bitter and cold nature, Prunella vulgaris can neutralize and suppress internal heat in the body, effectively clearing excessive heat and fire. It helps relieve discomforts caused by excessive internal heat, such as red, swollen, painful eyes and eyeball pain.
3. Improving Vision
In traditional Chinese medicine, the eyes are considered closely related to the liver. Excessive liver fire may easily lead to eye pain. Prunella vulgaris clears liver fire, thereby exerting a beneficial effect on vision.
In addition, it may also help treat insomnia. However, combining this herb blindly with other medications may cause adverse drug reactions; therefore, it is advisable to consult a physician before use to ensure safe and appropriate medication.
