The source is from spike of Prunella vulgaris L., family Labiatae. The producing areas are in all parts of China, but mainly in the provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui, etc.. The medicinal material is collected in summer, dried in the sun and the raw is used for medication. Medicinal Properties Bitter and pungent in flavor, cold in nature and attributive to the liver and gall-bladder meridians. Actions Clear away liver-fire and disperse stagnation. Application 1. For hyperactivity of liver-fire with conjunctivitis, headache and dizziness, it is often combined with Juhua ( Flos Chrysanthemi ), Juemingzi ( Semen Cassiae ), etc. ;for insufficiency of liver-yin with eye pains, it is used together with Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis), Gouqizi (Fructus Lycii ) so as to nourish the liver and improve eyesight. Now it is often used for the treatment of high blood pressure due to liver heat and yang hyperactivity. 2. For scrofula and goiter caused by stagnation of phlegm and fire due to stagnation of liver-qi transforming into fire, it is often combined with Beimu (Bulbus Fritillariae Thunbergii ), Xuanshen ( Radix Scrophulariae), and Muli (Concha Ostreae ); for goiter, also used with Haigeke (Concha Cyclinae ), Kunbu (Thallus Laminariae seu Eckloniae ) , and Haizao ( Sargassum ), etc.. Usage and Dosage 9 -15 g is used in decoction for oral use, or decocted into medicinal extract for oral use. Notes Used with caution in those with deficiency of the spleen and stomach.
