Botanical Overview
Hedyotis diffusa, commonly known as Oldenlandia diffusa or Bai Hua She She Cao, is a herbaceous plant in the Rubiaceae family. It is native to East and Southeast Asia, particularly valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The whole plant is used medicinally, especially for its anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties.
Energetics
This herb is characterized as cooling and moistening in temperature and moisture, with a bitter and slightly sweet taste. Its energetic actions are descending, helping to clear heat and toxins. It is generally relaxing on the body’s qi.
Primary Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anticancer
- Detoxifying
- Antibacterial
- Diuretic
Indications
Western
- Inflammation
- Infection
- Cancer-related symptoms
- Detoxification
Syndromes
- Chronic inflammation
- Urinary tract infections
- Cancer adjunct therapy
TCM
- Skin ulcers
- Damp-heat conditions
- Toxic swellings
- Fever
Syndromes
- Heat toxin
- Damp-heat
- Blood stasis
Ayurveda
No well-supported traditional uses identified.
Unani
No well-supported traditional uses identified.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Hedyotis diffusa contains iridoids, flavonoids, anthraquinones, polyphenols, and alkaloids that support its anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction: 10-30 grams daily
- Ethanol extract standardized for iridoids
- Powdered herb: 5-15 grams daily
Safety & Contraindications
This herb is generally well tolerated but should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety data. Caution is advised in individuals with cold-damp body constitutions. Monitor patients using concurrent immunosuppressive or chemotherapeutic drugs.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliably sourced planetary or elemental rulers are established for Hedyotis diffusa.
Selected References
- Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Hedyotis diffusa, Liu et al., Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2010
- Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, Bensky, Clavey & Stöger, 2004
- Anti-inflammatory and Anticancer Effects of Hedyotis diffusa, Wang et al., Phytotherapy Research, 2015