Xiakucao is a plant in the family Scrophulariaceae of the order Lamiales. It is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, with the whole plant being more commonly used in the Taiwanese market. Xiakucao can be found in herbal tea shops and is known for its cooling and detoxifying properties. So, what are the specific benefits and uses of Xiakucao? And what are the recommended methods of consumption?
Clears the Liver and Improves Vision
Xiakucao has a cooling nature and primarily targets the liver meridian. It is used to clear liver fire and improve vision, making it an essential herb for treating red, swollen, and painful eyes caused by liver fire. It is often combined with mulberry leaves, chrysanthemum flowers, and cassia seeds. For eye discomfort and pain caused by liver deficiency, it can be used in combination with herbs such as danggui and goji berries.
Antitumor Effects
Many nodules and tumors in the body are caused by liver stagnation turning into fire and phlegm fire condensation. Xiakucao has the ability to clear liver fire and disperse stagnation, making it an important herb for treating nodules and tumors caused by phlegm fire. It is often combined with other herbs such as xuan shen, lian qiao, oyster shell, and kelp to soften and disperse nodules, prevent thyroid enlargement, lymph node tuberculosis, and various types of tumors.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Xiakucao can slow down the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the aorta. It has a good therapeutic effect on reducing blood lipids, treating coronary heart disease, and arteriosclerosis.
Balances the Liver and Subdues Yang
Xiakucao not only clears liver fire but also balances the liver. It is most suitable for those with liver yang hyperactivity and liver fire, presenting with dizziness, headaches, irritability, and easy anger. It is often combined with herbs like sheng di huang and chrysanthemum to nourish yin and balance the liver.
Prevents and Treats Pulmonary Tuberculosis
When infected with pulmonary tuberculosis, taking two grams of Xiakucao boiled in water and divided into two or three doses, or boiling it with an appropriate amount of rock sugar to make a paste and taking it twice a day, can effectively improve symptoms such as fever, coughing, hemoptysis, and chest pain.
Nutritional Value
Xiakucao contains triterpenoid saponins (ursolic acid, free ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, saponin, crocin, trans-caffeic acid, and cis-caffeic acid), various extracts, polysaccharides, vitamin B1, vitamin C, vitamin K, carotene, resin, bitter substances, tannins, volatile oil, alkaloids, and water-soluble salts (about 3.5%, of which about 63% is potassium chloride).
1. Ursolic acid in Xiakucao is a triterpenoid compound with multiple biological effects such as sedation, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antidiabetic, anti-ulcer, and blood sugar-lowering effects. Ursolic acid also has significant antioxidant properties.
2. Xiakucao has a significant blood sugar-lowering effect. Its ethanol extract can counteract the increase in blood sugar caused by adrenaline and has the ability to improve glucose tolerance and increase liver glycogen synthesis.
3. Xiakucao can effectively lower blood pressure. Chloroform, n-butanol, and ethyl acetate extracts of Xiakucao can reduce the amplitude of aortic constriction caused by norepinephrine.
4. Polysaccharides in Xiakucao have antiviral effects against herpes simplex virus. They can be used to treat herpes simplex, mainly by promoting lymphocyte conversion and inducing interferon production through immune regulation.
Methods of Consuming Xiakucao
1. Treatment of Hypertension
Xiakucao has the ability to clear liver fire. Patients can take 1000 grams of Xiakucao, boil it three times to remove impurities, and simmer it with honey to make a paste. Take one spoonful with warm water in the morning and evening to maintain blood pressure within a normal range.
2. Treatment of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
Xiakucao has the ability to clear heat and detoxify. When Xiakucao is in bloom, it can be dried and ground into powder. Take 10 grams before meals, swallow it with rice soup, to assist in the treatment of abnormal vaginal discharge.
3. Treatment of Menorrhagia
Xiakucao has the ability to cool blood and stop bleeding. Grind Xiakucao into powder and take one small spoonful with rice soup to assist in the treatment of menorrhagia.
4. Treatment of Scrofula
Xiakucao has the ability to disperse swelling, clear heat, and detoxify. Take 300 grams of Xiakucao, add two cups of water, simmer until 70% is left, and take it warm after a while after eating. It can be used to assist in the treatment of scrofula.
5. Treatment of Hemoptysis
For patients with hemoptysis caused by pulmonary tuberculosis, soak Xiakucao with yellow wine, then distill it. This has a certain hemostatic effect.
