Selfheal (Xia Ku Cao) Cut Herb — Prunella vulgaris Spike (Plum Flower) 500g
Selfheal—known in Chinese herbalism as Xia Ku Cao—is the dried Prunella vulgaris flowering spike traditionally used to support balanced internal heat patterns and healthy Liver/Gallbladder channel harmony.* This is Plum Flower brand, species-authenticated, cut/sliced for easy decoction (simmered tea), blends, and external preparations.
How to use bulk herbs (tea, tincture, poultice, capsules) | Common mistakes & fixes
*Educational information only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Selfheal / Self Heal Herb / Prunella Spike
- Chinese Name (Pin Yin): Xia Ku Cao
- Botanical Name: Prunella vulgaris (spike)
- Form: Cut / sliced (natural size variation)
- TCM Taste & Nature: Bitter, acrid; cold
- Meridians (Channels): Liver, Gallbladder
- Net Weight: 500g (1.1 lb)
- Ingredients: 100% single herb (no additives)
- Origin: China
- Brand: Plum Flower (species-authenticated)
Typical household estimate: 500g often equals roughly 4–6 cups of cut herb depending on cut size and settling.
What is Selfheal (Xia Ku Cao)?
Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris) is traditionally used as the dried flowering spike (often listed as spica). It is commonly harvested in summer and dried thoroughly. In classic traditional language, Xia Ku Cao is used to support comfort and balance when patterns of “heat” feel elevated or constrained.*
Why shoppers care: online listings sometimes confuse plant parts (leaf vs spike) or fail to confirm identity. This product is labeled and sourced as Prunella vulgaris spike, the form traditionally referenced as Xia Ku Cao in many materia medica descriptions.
TCM Properties & Traditional Use
TCM taste/nature: bitter, acrid, and cold. In traditional terms, “cold” herbs are generally used in strategies that aim to cool or balance “excess heat” patterns.*
Channels: Liver and Gallbladder. In TCM theory, these channels are often discussed in relation to smooth flow and internal harmony.*
Important note: Traditional use language describes historical pattern frameworks. It is not a modern medical claim.
How to Use Selfheal (Xia Ku Cao)
1) Decoction (simmered tea) — the most common method for cut herbs
- Quickly rinse the herb (optional).
- Add to a pot with water and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer, strain, and drink as tea or use as part of a blend.
How much should I use? Dosage depends on your goals, constitution, and whether it is part of a formula. Follow your practitioner’s instructions or consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
2) External preparations (traditional-style)
Many customers use strained decoctions as external washes or compresses, based on traditional herbal practices.* For how-to instructions, see: How to Use Bulk Herbs.
Storage tips
- Store sealed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Keep away from moisture and strong kitchen odors.
- Reseal tightly after each use for best freshness.
Taste, Aroma & What to Expect
- Aroma: typically very light or minimal
- Taste: mild to bland; may be slightly bitter
- Cut size: varies naturally (this is normal for cut botanicals)
Quality: Plum Flower + 1st Chinese Herbs
Plum Flower is a well-known producer of Chinese herbal products with an emphasis on consistent manufacturing standards. We choose products like this because customers deserve clarity: correct species, clean handling, and quality documentation.
What quality looks like (the checklist)
- Species authentication (correct botanical identity)
- No added ingredients (single herb only)
- Sulfur-free processing (no sulfur fumigation)
- GMP-oriented manufacturing and quality controls
- Contaminant screening focus (e.g., heavy metals/pesticides—documentation varies by batch)
- Airtight sealed packaging to help protect freshness
- Clear labeling with Pin Yin + botanical name
- COA available upon request (Certificate of Analysis)
Need documentation? Contact us and we’ll help: Contact Us
California Prop 65: Compliance notices vary by brand/lot and retail requirements.
Common Pairing Ideas (Traditional Style)
These are traditional-style pairing ideas customers often explore. Pairings should be personalized—especially if you have medical conditions or take medications.
- Xia Ku Cao + Huang Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis)
- Xia Ku Cao + Xian He Cao (Agrimony)
- Xia Ku Cao + Huai Hua (Japanese Pagoda Tree flower)
Tip: If you want the most effective approach, use bulk herbs with a clear method. Start here: How to Use Bulk Herbs
FAQ: Selfheal (Xia Ku Cao)
Is Selfheal the same as Xia Ku Cao?
Yes. Xia Ku Cao is the Pin Yin (Chinese) name commonly used for Prunella vulgaris spike, often called Selfheal or Prunella Spike.
What part of the plant is used?
This product is the dried flowering spike (spica), cut/sliced.
Is anything added to this product?
No. It is 100% single herb with no fillers, dyes, or additives.
What is the best way to prepare cut Xia Ku Cao?
Most customers start with a decoction (simmered tea), which is a standard method for cut botanicals.
Who should avoid Selfheal?
Do not use if pregnant or nursing unless guided by a qualified clinician. Long-term use may cause stomach irritation for some individuals. If you take medications or have a medical condition, consult a licensed healthcare professional before use.
PubMed Research Links (Educational)
For customers who want to read the scientific literature directly, here are PubMed search links related to Prunella vulgaris constituents and areas of research interest:
Compliance & Safety
- Pregnancy/Nursing: Do not use unless directed by a qualified clinician.
- Sensitivity: Long-term use may cause stomach irritation for some individuals.
- Medical advice: Consult a licensed healthcare professional if you have a condition or take medications.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information is for educational purposes and references traditional use and research interest only.
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Free resource: 10 Vital Medicinal Herbs That Work (Free Ebook)
Why buy from 1st Chinese Herbs?
- Trusted herbal sourcing since 1994
- Clear labeling: Pin Yin + botanical identity
- Quality documentation: COA available upon request
- Customer support: real help choosing forms and preparation
Pro tip for better results: Bulk herbs work best when the preparation method matches the form. Start here: How to Use Bulk Herbs
About Plum Flower Quality Herb Cut Bulk Herbs
Plum Flower is an established worldwide manufacturer of high-quality Chinese herbs, and innovative Chinese medicinal herbs and products. Plum Flower uses sulfur-free herbs and laboratory tests its products for contamination and heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, and pesticides.
Main Characteristics (Attributes) of Herbs
- Harvested at the proper level of maturity and correct time of the season to maximize potency.
- Free from Chlorine
- Manufactured without the use of sulphur
- Preservative Free
- Made at GMP internationally certified facilities (Good Manufacturing Practices) Quality control tests are done at the manufacturing site and at third party labs to confirm results
- Aluminum Phosphate free
- Packaged in an airtight sealed bag
- Pin Yin Names and Botanical Names are listed on the bag
- Certificate of Analysis are available upon request
- Conforms to the Standards of Chinese Pharmacopeia
- No dyes, colors, or bleaching of the herbs
- We are an authorized direct distributor of Plum Flower Herbs.
- 500 gram bag size which equal anywhere from 4 to 6 cups of herbs
Chinese Traditional herbs should be regarded as a supplementary aspect to modern western healthcare, and not as a replacement. Chinese traditional herbs ( Teas ) emphasize harmony, and balance.
Why use Chinese Bulk Herbs?
Traditional Chinese Medicine curative herbal formulas have been developed, improved and perfected for over 5000 years.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is an ancient, holistic medical system used all over the world to treat a wide variety of health issues. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) works by helping to balance the bodies’ functions thus restoring health.
As soon as the Chinese people began to carve out a civilization in ancient China it developed a cultural heritage that has continued to the present day. TCM is the oldest and one of the safest, effective systems one can use to care for their body, it promotes health and helps to sustain longevity.
Chinese herbs have been with mankind for 5,000 years and will be with us in the years ahead – it is using nature’s bountiful gifts to have good health.
