Oldenlandia, particularly Oldenlandia diffusa (also known as Hedyotis diffusa), is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and other traditional medical systems in Asia to support the body in cases of infection, including those believed to be caused by viruses. Its historical use is well documented in herbal texts, where it is often prescribed for "heat-clearing" and "detoxifying" purposes, which, in TCM theory, can correspond to conditions such as fevers, abscesses, and infectious diseases. Folk practitioners have utilized decoctions or infusions of Oldenlandia for ailments perceived as being associated with pathogenic invasion, though viral etiology was not historically understood.

Modern scientific studies have explored the antimicrobial and antiviral properties of Oldenlandia extracts, with some in vitro (test tube) research showing inhibitory effects on various pathogens, including certain viruses. However, these studies are preliminary, often limited to laboratory settings, and rarely advance to human clinical trials. There is insufficient clinical evidence to conclusively support its efficacy for treating viral infections in humans. Therefore, while the use of Oldenlandia for infections is primarily rooted in tradition, the current scientific evidence is limited and not robust enough to warrant strong recommendations for its use specifically against viral infections.