Xia Ku Cao vs Breadfruit Leaf

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Xia Ku Cao

Prunella vulgaris spike

Cardiovascular

Artocarpus altilis

Cardiovascular

Xia Ku Cao

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Breadfruit Leaf

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

The dried flower spikes of self-heal used in TCM to clear liver fire and dissipate phlegm nodules — important for thyroid and lymph node conditions.

A Pacific Island staple tree whose leaves are used in traditional Polynesian and Caribbean medicine for hypertension and diabetes.

Active Compounds

rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid, tannins, saponins, betulinic acid

Flavonoids, Phenolic compounds, Cycloartenol, Lupeol

Traditional Uses

Liver fire with eye conditions in TCM, Thyroid enlargement and goiter, Lymph node swellings, Used in TCM formulas for liver heat affecting eyes

Hypertension, Diabetes, Liver disorders, Skin infections

Modern Uses

Antiviral, Anti-inflammatory, Hypotensive, Antitumor research

Antihypertensive, Hypoglycemic, Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory

Adult Dosage

9–15 g dried spikes as decoction; 500 mg extract 2x daily

3-5 dried leaves as tea 2x daily

Contraindications

Cold conditions, Spleen qi deficiency

Hypotension, Diabetes medications, Pregnancy

Side Effects

GI upset in cold constitution

Hypotension, Hypoglycemia

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E