夏枯草為夏枯草的乾燥果穗，是傳統本草中常見的草本材料之一，經適當採集、加工及乾燥後使用。
認識一味藥材，了解一段草本文化
Discover an Herb, Explore a Story of Herbal Culture
夏枯草｜隨季節而來的草本植物
Xia Ku Cao | A Seasonal Traditional Herb
在眾多傳統藥材之中，夏枯草是一味名稱十分有特色的草本材料。夏枯草的花穗呈圓柱形，表面由多層苞片組成，乾燥後通常呈棕色至棕褐色。
它的名稱「夏枯草」與植物的生長特性有關，傳統上認為其花穗在夏季過後逐漸枯萎，因此形成了這個具有季節特色的名稱。經採集及乾燥後，夏枯草主要以乾燥果穗形式使用，外觀細長，帶有自然的褐色及草本氣息。
在傳統本草文化中，夏枯草具有悠久的使用歷史，常與其他草本材料搭配使用，也可見於傳統茶飲及草本配方之中。從一束隨季節生長的花穗，到經過採集、整理與乾燥後的草本材料，夏枯草展現了傳統本草與自然季節之間的關聯。
Among traditional herbal materials, Xia Ku Cao is particularly distinctive because of the seasonal meaning behind its name. The herb forms cylindrical flowering spikes covered with layers of natural bracts. After drying, the spikes generally appear brown to dark brown.
Its Chinese name, “Xia Ku Cao,” is associated with the plant’s seasonal growth characteristics. Traditionally, the flowering spikes were observed to gradually wither after summer, giving rise to its distinctive name. After harvesting and drying, Xia Ku Cao is mainly used in the form of dried flowering spikes, with a slender appearance and a natural herbal aroma.
Xia Ku Cao has a long history in traditional herbal culture and is commonly combined with other herbs. It may also be found in traditional herbal teas and formulations. From a seasonal flowering spike to carefully harvested, processed and dried herbal material, Xia Ku Cao reflects the close connection between traditional herbal culture and nature.
本草特性
Herbal Properties
寒性藥材
Cool-Natured Herb
傳統中醫理論認為，夏枯草屬寒性藥材，性質偏寒。
According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, Xia Ku Cao is considered cold in nature.
清肝火
Clearing Liver Heat
傳統上用於清肝火，是夏枯草在傳統本草中的主要特色之一。
Traditionally used to clear Liver Heat and is one of the key traditional characteristics associated with Xia Ku Cao.
舒緩喉嚨
Throat Comfort
傳統草本中常用於滋潤喉部，
維持喉嚨舒適。
Traditionally valued for supporting throat moisture and everyday throat comfort.
清熱解暑
Clearing Heat & Supporting Summer Comfort
傳統上用於清熱相關的草本配方，亦常見於夏季草本茶飲。
Traditionally used in heat-clearing herbal preparations and commonly associated with traditional summer herbal teas.
從草本植物，到一味藥材
From Plant To Herb
each herb goes through a series of steps — from harvesting and processing to inspection and selection.
從藥材到日常
From Herb To Daily Life
日常湯品
Herbal Soup
煮茶
Herbal Tea
草本配方
Herbal Blends
保存方法 Storage
置於陰涼乾燥處，密封保存，避免陽光直射，以保持藥材乾燥與品質。
Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container, away from direct sunlight, to help maintain freshness and quality.
免責聲明 DISCLAIMER
本內容僅供一般資訊及參考用途，不能取代專業人士的意見、診斷或建議。使用或食用任何中藥材前，請先諮詢合資格的專業人士，並根據個人情況作適當選擇。
This content is provided for general informational and reference purposes only and is not intended to replace professional advice, diagnosis, or recommendations. Please consult a qualified professional before using or consuming any Chinese herbal ingredients, and make appropriate choices according to your individual circumstances.