Zi Hua Di Ding
Viola yedoensis Makino
β― TCM Properties
Clears Heat and Resolves Toxicity; Cools the Blood and reduces swelling; Resolves abscesses and disperses nodules
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Viola yedoensis (sometimes treated as a synonym of V. philippica), Yedo violet or Zi Hua Di Ding, is a low-growing perennial herb in the Violaceae family native to East Asia. The plant is stemless (acaulescent), forming a rosette 5-15 cm tall from a short rhizome with a cluster of fibrous roots. Leaves are basal, long-petiolate, narrowly oblong-lanceolate to triangular-ovate, 3-10 cm long, with finely toothed margins and a heart-shaped or truncate base. Solitary flowers 1-1.5 cm across on slender scapes are dark violet-purple with five petals, the lowest with a short spur, blooming in early to mid spring. Capsules are ellipsoid and three-valved.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | β | β | β |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Zi Hua Di Ding (purple viola herb, violae herba) is a cold, bitter herb used in Chinese medicine to clear Heat toxin and reduce swellings. It is one of the five key herbs in the classical Heat-toxin-clearing formula Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin, used for carbuncles, furunculosis, and inflammatory skin abscesses. It also treats snakebite and bee sting toxicity, and some formulas use it for deep-Heat febrile conditions. Its focused Heat-toxin-clearing and anti-inflammatory action makes it a standard herb in skin and infection-related formulas.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.