Xia Ku Cao Dried Selfheal Fruit Spike 500g Prunella Vulgaris TCM Herbal Tea Ingredient

Xia Ku Cao (夏枯草), the dried fruit spike of Prunella vulgaris, is a classic Chinese herbal material supplied as whole dried spikes. In TCM theory it is considered bitter and acrid in flavor and cold in nature, traditionally associated with the liver and gallbladder channels. This 500g bag is a raw edible agricultural product commonly used as an ingredient for herbal teas and decoctions. It is not a substitute for medicine; consult a qualified practitioner before use.

Key Selling Points

• Single-ingredient Xia Ku Cao (夏枯草) dried fruit spikes with no additives
• Botanical source Prunella vulgaris, a well-known TCM herb
• Sun-dried and air-dried processing preserves the natural spike form
• 500g bulk bag suited to herbal tea blending and decoction preparation
• Traditionally used in TCM for liver-related seasonal herbal formulas

Quality & Sensory

The dried spikes typically appear brownish-purple to dark brown with a slightly fuzzy, elongated spike shape and a light, dry texture. They carry a mild grassy aroma, and when simmered or steeped the infusion typically tastes gently bitter and herbaceous.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Simmered as a traditional herbal decoction
• Steeped as a cooling summer herbal tea, often with chrysanthemum
• Used as a raw ingredient in herbal tea blends
• Prepared in folk-style cooling soups or herbal drinks

Traditional Uses

In traditional Chinese practice, Xia Ku Cao has long been used in summer cooling teas and liver-clearing decoctions, frequently paired with chrysanthemum, honeysuckle, or licorice. It is a common ingredient in Cantonese herbal drinks and seasonal folk formulas, where the dried spikes are simmered or steeped and the liquid taken as a daily herbal beverage.

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