Bai Hua She She Cao | Hedyotis Diffusae Herba | Hedyotis
Properties: Bitter, Sweet, Cold
Channels Entered: Liver, Stomach, Large Intestine, Small Intestine
Bai Hua She She Cao is a cooling, detoxifying herb traditionally used in Chinese medicine to clear heat, resolve toxicity, and disperse masses. Known for its strong ability to address heat-toxins, it is often used for swellings, abscesses, and infections, as well as in formulas that support the immune system and cellular health.
Traditionally, Bai Hua She She Cao has been used to:
- Clear heat-toxins in cases of boils, carbuncles, and abscesses
- Promote urination to drain dampness and reduce edema
- Disperse phlegm and soften masses, including in cancer-supportive formulas
Active Constituents:
- Flavonoids & Iridoid Glycosides – Provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-modulating benefits
- Polysaccharides & Phenolic Acids – Support detoxification and protect cells from oxidative damage
Modern studies confirm Bai Hua She She Cao’s traditional uses. A 2006 study demonstrated that ethanol extracts of the herb induced apoptosis in HL-60 leukemia cells, triggered by superoxide burst and caspase activation. Broader reviews highlight its tumor-inhibiting, apoptosis-inducing, and immune-enhancing effects, reinforcing its role as a heat-clearing and detoxifying herb in cancer-supportive therapies. Although most research focuses on internal use, the active constituents of Bai Hua She She Cao demonstrate strong detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties. This supports its continued use both internally and topically for acne, boils, urinary tract infections, and inflammatory skin conditions marked by heat and dampness.
In our formulas, Bai Hua She She Cao is featured in Skin Wash - Clarify, where it helps clear toxins, reduce inflammation, and calm heat-related skin flare-ups. It is especially supportive for stubborn, yellow pus-filled acne, as well as conditions like furuncles, carbuncles, erysipelas, herpes simplex, and herpes zoster. By harnessing its cooling, detoxifying nature, our wash works gently with the skin to restore balance and clarity.
Powerful yet gentle, Bai Hua She She Cao offers deep detoxification for the skin and beyond—discover its benefits in our Skin Wash Clarify, crafted for natural, holistic skincare.
Citations:
Bensky, D., Clavey, S., & Stöger, E. (2004). Chinese herbal medicine : materia medica. Eastland Press, Cop.
Ma, T.-T., Zhang, G.-L., Dai, C.-F., Zhang, B.-R., Cao, K.-X., Wang, C.-G., Yang, G.-W., & Wang, X.-M. (2020). Scutellaria barbata and Hedyotis diffusa herb pair for breast cancer treatment: Potential mechanism based on network pharmacology. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 259, 112929. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.112929
Yadav, S. K. (2006). Evidence for Oldenlandia diffusa-evoked cancer cell apoptosis through superoxide burst and caspase activation. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 4(5), 485–489. https://doi.org/10.3736/jcim20060509
Zhang, Y., Liang, Y., & He, C. (2017). Anticancer activities and mechanisms of heat-clearing and detoxicating traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Chinese Medicine, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13020-017-0140-2