hạ khô thảo
Definition
- Noun:
- Prunella (Prunella vulgaris): A perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae (mint) family. It is known for its small, purple, hooded flowers arranged in dense terminal spikes. The aerial parts of the plant are used in traditional medicine.
- Self-heal: The common English name for this plant, referring to its historical use in herbal remedies for various ailments.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Hạ khô thảo thường mọc hoang ở nhiều vùng. (Prunella often grows wild in many regions.)
- Theo y học cổ truyền, hạ khô thảo có tác dụng thanh nhiệt. (According to traditional medicine, self-heal has heat-clearing properties.)
Advanced Usage
- In Traditional Medicine: The term is primarily used in the context of Vietnamese traditional medicine (Thuốc Nam, Đông y) to refer to the dried herb used in formulations.
- Vị thuốc này có chứa hạ khô thảo. (This medicinal preparation contains prunella.)
Variants and Related Words
- Prunella vulgaris: The scientific (Latin) name for the plant.
- Self-heal plant / Heal-all: Other common English names.
- Brunella: An older genus name sometimes seen.
Synonyms
- Self-heal: The most direct common name synonym in English.
- Heal-all: A synonym emphasizing its traditional medicinal uses.
- Carpenter's herb: A less common regional name.
Notes on Meaning
- Botanical vs. Medicinal Context: In general conversation, "hạ khô thảo" is understood as a medicinal herb. In strict botanical contexts, it refers specifically to the plant species .
- Literal Meaning: The Sino-Vietnamese name "hạ khô thảo" (夏枯草) translates literally to "summer-withered grass," describing the plant's appearance when its flower spikes dry out in summer, which is also when it is typically harvested for medicine.