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Bai Hua She She Cao (白花蛇舌草), the herb Hedyotis diffusa, clears heat and resolves toxicity, reduces abscesses and promotes urination; widely used in modern practice for toxic-heat conditions and as supportive care.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Hedyotis diffusa (Herba Hedyotis Diffusae)
Common English Name
Hedyotis / snake-needle grass
Taste
Bitter, sweet
Temperature
Cold
Channels Entered
Stomach, Large Intestine, Small Intestine
Actions & Functions
- Clears heat and resolves toxicity (sores, abscesses)
- Reduces abscesses (intestinal, Lung)
- Promotes urination and resolves damp-heat
Indications
Toxic sores and abscesses (including intestinal and Lung); damp-heat painful urination; and used in modern supportive protocols for toxic-heat conditions.
Dosage
15-60 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Ban Zhi Lian in modern toxic-heat formulas.
Cautions & Contraindications
Use with caution in Spleen-Stomach deficiency-cold and in pregnancy.
