Spica Prunellae

by | May 6, 2010 | Uncategorized | 1 comment

Ingredient Name: Spica prunellae, prunella spike, prunellae spike, fruit spike, self heal fruit spike

Traditional Chinese Name: 夏枯草 (xià kūcǎo)

What is this?

  • The sun-dried and withered spikes of a perennial herb called Prunella Vulgaris plant (purple in color when bloomed)
  • Cultivated and grown mainly in China
  • Extremely common in heat-reducing drinks

How do I prepare it?

  • Rinse in warm water
  • Add directly to soups or drinks
  • For drinks, use a strainer to separate as the plant sometimes disintegrates into little pieces

Where can I buy this?

  • Available in wet marts in Hong Kong
  • Available in herbalist shops
  • Often sold in packages with other ingredients (for ease of boiling)

What is the cost?

  • Very affordable
  • 50 g cost around $5 HKD (large bunch)

Any benefits?

  • Helps lower blood pressure
  • It is a cooling food and assists in reducing heatiness and symptoms associated with heatiness
  • Can aid in phlegm reduction and reduces swelling

Additional Information:

  • Extremely cooling ingredient so menstruating and pregnant women (earlier than 3 months) take caution

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