Evidence supporting the use of: Hedyotis diffusa
For the health condition: Dysmenorrhea
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Hedyotis diffusa (commonly known as Oldenlandia diffusa or Bai Hua She She Cao) is primarily used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for a range of conditions, most notably as an anti-inflammatory and anticancer herb. Its use for dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain) is based on its traditional application for "clearing heat" and "detoxifying" the body, as well as promoting blood circulation and reducing inflammation. In TCM, dysmenorrhea is sometimes attributed to "stagnation of blood," and herbs like Hedyotis diffusa are occasionally included in multi-herb formulas intended to alleviate this stagnation.
However, while there is substantial documentation of its traditional uses, direct scientific evidence supporting Hedyotis diffusa for dysmenorrhea is limited. Most pharmacological studies on Hedyotis diffusa focus on its anticancer, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects, rather than gynecological or menstrual conditions. There are a few preclinical studies suggesting anti-inflammatory actions that could, in theory, benefit menstrual pain, but no high-quality clinical trials specifically address its efficacy for dysmenorrhea. Therefore, its use for this condition is primarily justified by tradition rather than robust scientific validation.
Other ingredients used for Dysmenorrhea
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)black cohosh
calcium
chamomile
chaste tree
dong quai root
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fennel
fish oil
ginger
magnesium
motherwort
omega-3 fatty acids
parsley
passionflower
peppermint oil
phytocannabinoids
vitamin B6
vitamin E
wild yam
gastrodia
anise
peony
dioscorea
trichosanthes
shepherd's purse
Avens
Ambergris
Angelica
Achyranthes
Anamu
Albizia
Alchemilla
Aletris
Anserina
Aerva lanata
Anemone
Actaea spicata
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Abuta
Arisaema
Blue Cohosh
Blepharis
Boswellia
Bethroot
Boerhavia diffusa
Cohosh
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Cyathula
Corydalis
Didymocarpus
Dong Quai
Erythropalum scandens
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Euphorbia
Pennyroyal
Poppy
Other health conditions supported by Hedyotis diffusa
AbscessesAcne
Adenitis
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Boils
Breast Lumps
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Conjunctivitis
Cuts
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Dysmenorrhea
Edema
Endometriosis
Enteritis
Epstein Barr Virus
Fever
Fibroids (uterine)
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Hepatitis
Herpes
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Influenza
Jaundice (adults)
Kidney Infection