Chinese Herb Zi Hua Di Ding (Violet)
Other Names:
Zi Hua Di Ding Herb, Violet, Viola, Earth Spike, Arrowhead Herb, Corydalis Bungeana, Herba Violae, Ben Cao Gan Mu (Compendium of Materia Medica)
Properties:
Acrid, Bitter, Cold, Sticky
Channels Entered:
Heart, Liver
Functions:
Relieves Fire Toxicity, Antibacterial, Anti-Inflammatory
Other Information:
Violet is a perennial herb that is native to East Asia. This small, flowering plant is harvested in the spring before being dried in the sun. The whole plant is used medicinally (Zi Hua Di Ding) and is best when the leaves are green and the roots are yellow.
The Zi Hua Di Ding herb works best to remove Heat and Fire. It excels at calming hot, red, swollen eyes as well as swollen ears and throat. The violet herb can also be applied to snakebites, mumps, and other skin problems.
For effectiveness in treating snakebites, it is best to take the violet herb's freshly pounded juice orally or apply it directly to the snake bite with a bit of realgar. Otherwise, it is traditionally used externally on boils and sores.
The Zi Hua Di Ding herb is best to use on swellings that are fully-formed. Those with slow-growing swellings that have not come to head are contradicted by this herb. In the presence of Yin type sores, patients should use caution with this herb. Those who have Cold Deficiency should avoid using this herb altogether.
Some of the most effective herbal combinations with Zi Hua Di Ding are Ye Ju Hua, Ju Hua, and Pu Gong Ying. The Yu Ju Hua has the widest range of effects that it strengthens, including but not limited to, fingertip pustules, lymphangitis, and other red swellings. The Ju Hua works well for eye conditions and the Pu Gong Ying is effective for breast conditions such as abscesses and boils.
In comparison to Pu Gong Ying, the Zi Hua Di Ding herb is better at resolving toxicity and cooling blood while Pu Gong Ying is more effective when treating breast abscesses and descending stagnant Qi.
Some studies have found the Zi Hua Di Ding herb to be effective in the treatment of cancer and tuberculosis.
