Few people may know about Xia Ku Cao, but it is actually a traditional Chinese medicine that is used to clear heat and detoxify the body. It is effective in treating symptoms such as red eyes, headaches, dizziness, and chest distension. Let's learn more about the effects and uses of Xia Ku Cao!
【Effects and Uses of Xia Ku Cao】
1. Clearing heat and dispelling summer heat
Xia Ku Cao is often used to make tea to cool down the body and dispel summer heat. Many commercially available herbal teas contain Xia Ku Cao because of its heat-clearing properties, which help eliminate dampness and heat and prevent heatstroke.
2. Stabilizing blood pressure
Modern pharmacological experiments have shown that Xia Ku Cao has a significant antihypertensive effect. Its extracts have antihypertensive and anti-arrhythmic activities. Traditional Chinese medicine often includes Xia Ku Cao in prescriptions for treating hypertension to enhance the antihypertensive effect.
3. Dissolving masses and reducing swelling
Xia Ku Cao is often used in combination with other herbs to treat conditions caused by liver depression transforming into fire, excessive phlegm generation, and phlegm-fire stagnation leading to lymphadenitis, goiter, and breast lumps. It can be taken orally or applied externally as a decoction or ointment, regardless of whether the lymphadenitis has ulcerated or not.
【Methods of Using Xia Ku Cao】
1. Liver deficiency with eye pain (referring to symptoms of continuous watery eyes, shy of light). Take half a liang of Xia Ku Cao and one liang of Xiang Fu Zi, grind them into powder. Take one qian (about 3 grams) daily, mixed with tea.
2. Abnormal vaginal discharge (red or white). When Xia Ku Cao is in bloom, collect and dry it, then grind it into powder. Take two qian (about 6 grams) daily before meals, with rice soup.
3. Excessive uterine bleeding. Grind Xia Ku Cao into powder and take one small spoonful, mixed with rice soup.
4. Postpartum fainting and near-collapse of vital energy. Mash Xia Ku Cao and drink the juice. This can significantly improve the condition.
5. Wounds and cuts. Chew Xia Ku Cao and apply it to the affected area for disinfection and wound healing promotion.
6. Lymphadenitis (whether ulcerated or not, or long-term leakage). Take six liang of Xia Ku Cao and two cups of water, simmer until 70% is left, then drink it warm after a meal. If the person is physically weak, the Xia Ku Cao can be boiled into a decoction and applied as an ointment to the affected area.
