Prunella (Chinese home remedy)
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Dried prunella (Mandarin: 夏枯草 xia4 ku1 cao3; Cantonese: (Yale) hah5 fu1 chou2, (IPA) ha21 fu55 tsou23) is used to make a herbal drink to help restore to body to a natural state after eating too many fried foods. It is also used in the treatment of high blood pressure. In traditional Chinese culture, certain foods are thought to be hot. These include fried foods, alcohol and certain fruits such as lychee. Over-consumption of such foods leads to a build-up of hot air (Cantonese (Yale): yiht hei)) in the body.
Dried prunella can be purchased in any Chinese apothecary. The product should soak for one hour and then be rinsed in cold water to remove any dust or bits of dirt. The prunella is then simmered in fresh water on the stove for at least one hour. Usually a small amount of cooking sugar is added for taste during the cooking process. The tea can then be drained or stored as is in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or so. It is drunk cold when needed, such as after consuming a rich, fatty meal or after dim sum.
