Evidence supporting the use of: Hedyotis (unspecified)
For the health condition: Emphysema
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Hedyotis, particularly Hedyotis diffusa (also known as Oldenlandia diffusa), is a herb commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Its traditional applications include use as a heat-clearing and detoxifying agent for conditions such as infections, inflammation, and certain cancers. In the context of respiratory diseases, Hedyotis is sometimes included in complex herbal formulas intended to address symptoms like cough, phlegm, or general lung inflammation. However, its direct use for emphysema—an irreversible, progressive lung disease characterized by destruction of alveoli and airflow limitation—is not strongly documented in classical TCM texts or popular folk medicine. The rationale for inclusion in respiratory formulas may stem from the herb’s general anti-inflammatory and purported immune-modulating properties as described in traditional practice, rather than any established efficacy for emphysema specifically. There is very limited, if any, scientific evidence supporting its use for emphysema: no clinical trials or pharmacological studies have directly evaluated Hedyotis or its extracts for emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in humans. Thus, its use for emphysema is justified primarily by tradition or empirical herbal practice, rather than scientific validation, and the quality of evidence is weak.
Other ingredients used for Emphysema
astragalusbeta caryophyllene
Chinese salvia root
cordyceps
ginger
ginseng
horseradish
licorice root
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
schizonepeta
slippery elm bark
mullein
lobelia
ferula assafoetida
inula racemosa
punarnava
myrrh
elecampane
morinda
trichosanthes
eucalyptus
aster root
horehound
Arisaema
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Broussonetia
Balsam
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Centipeda
Costus
Euphorbia
Theophylline
Other health conditions supported by Hedyotis (unspecified)
AbscessesAcne
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Backache
Bladder Infection
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Chills
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Conjunctivitis
Constipation (children)
Cuts
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Eczema
Emphysema
Energy (lack of)
Fever
Fibrosis
Fungal Infections
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Goiter
Gout
Halitosis