Not only effective in treating dermatitis, gallstones, hepatitis, and more, the white snake tongue grass also aids in the prevention and treatment of various types of cancer. Folklore has passed down a remedy for liver cancer believed to originate from a death row inmate, using two medicinal plants: white snake tongue grass and Houttuynia cordata.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, white snake tongue grass is known as Bái Huā Xià Tiě Tào, and it also goes by names such as Bồi Ngòi Bò, Xià Tiề Tào, and Long Tiề Tào. Its scientific name is Hedyotis diffusa Willd, belonging to the coffee family. This type of grass grows low and is perennial, reaching heights of 30-40 cm. The leaves grow opposite each other, are slightly elongated, stalkless, and have serrated edges at the tip. The flowers grow individually or in pairs at leaf axils and are white in color. The dry capsule at the top contains many light brown seeds. This plant commonly grows wild in humid areas, and it can even be found in Hanoi. The entire plant is utilized for medicinal purposes.
In traditional medicine, Bái Huā Xià Tiě Tào is used to treat various ailments including sore throat, urinary tract infections, hepatitis, gallstones, bacillary dysentery, boils, heat rash, and snake bites; externally, it is used to treat wounds, insect stings, back pain, and joint pain. In ancient times, it was commonly used by Tuệ Tĩnh to treat snake bites and measles.
Modern medicine recognizes that Bái Huā Xià Tiě Tào enhances the function of macrophages in the reticuloendothelial system and leukocytes, providing anti-inflammatory effects. This plant also inhibits lymphoid cancer cells, granulocytes, monocytes, and carcinoma cells, as well as suppressing mutations caused by aflatoxin B1. It supports cancer treatment through its immunosuppressive effects. In China, Bái Huā Xià Tiě Tào is used to treat cancers of the stomach, esophagus, cervix, bladder, rectum, colon, and lymph nodes.
In India, Bái Huā Xià Tiě Tào is also used to treat viral hepatitis, fever, and gonorrhea. Similar to Indian medicine, several other countries utilize this herb for hepatitis treatment. China has developed a herbal medicine called Yì Gān Níng, which contains Bái Huā Xià Tiě Tào, Astragalus, and other ingredients. According to scientists, Yì Gān Níng has immunosuppressive effects, prevents virus proliferation, and restores liver function, proving effective in treating hepatitis B. This herb is also included in the Li Đởm Decoction alongside other components such as Fructus Trogopteri and Lysimachia, used for treating gallstones and cholangitis in China.
In traditional usage, the plant is mainly prepared as a decoction, which can be used fresh or dried. The dosage can reach up to 60 grams of dried herb, equivalent to about 250 grams of fresh materials. For external use, there is no specific dosage. Internationally, Bái Huā Xià Tiề Tào is also formulated into injectable forms to treat cancers and infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, throat infections, and appendicitis.
Some Simple Folk Remedies
Treating Liver Cancer: 30 g of Bái Huā Xià Tiề Tào, 30 g of Gleditsia, and 10 g of licorice root. Decoction for one day, divided into 2-3 servings.
Treating Stomach Cancer: 60 g of Bái Huā Xià Tiề Tào, 60 g of white grass roots, 40 g of Job’s tears seeds, and 40 g of brown sugar. Decoction for one day.
Treating Sore Throat: 30 g of Bái Huā Xià Tiề Tào, 20 g of dandelion, 20 g of honeysuckle flower, and 10 g of licorice root. Decoction for one day, divided into 2-3 servings.
Treating Edema: 40 g of Bái Huā Xià Tiề Tào, 30 g of reed root, 20 g of corn silk, and 10 g of licorice root. Decoction for one day, divided into 2-3 servings.
Treating Jaundice Hepatitis: 60 g of Bái Huā Xià Tiề Tào, 30 g of Gleditsia, 20 g of Fructus Artemisia, and 10 g of licorice root. Decoction for one day, divided into 2-3 servings.
Treating Gallstones: 30 g of Bái Huā Xià Tiề Tào, 20 g of Fructus Trogopteri, 16 g of roasted chicken gizzard membrane, and 10 g of licorice root. Decoction for one day, divided into 2-3 servings.
Alternatively: 40 g of Bái Huā Xià Tiề Tào, 40 g of Fructus Artemisia, and 40 g of Fructus Trogopteri. Decoction for one day (Li Đởm Combination). This remedy has been clinically applied in China, proving effective in stimulating bile secretion and treating gallstones and cholangitis.
Treating Bacillary Dysentery: 30 g of Bái Huā Xià Tiề Tào, 20 g of purslane, and 20 g of three-leaved caper leaves. Decoction for one day, divided into 2-3 servings.
Treating Dysentery and Inflammation: 40 g of Bái Huā Xià Tiề Tào. Decoction for one day. (Fujian Herbal Medicine).
Treating Boils: 30 g of Bái Huā Xià Tiề Tào, 20 g of honeysuckle flower, 20 g of dandelion, 20 g of duckweed, and 10 g of licorice root. Decoction for one day, divided into 2-3 servings.
Treating Heat Rash: Bái Huā Xià Tiề Tào and wild water lily, equal amounts of each. Use to prepare bathwater.
Treating Swollen Painful Wounds: 200 g of Bái Huā Xià Tiề Tào. Decoction for one day, divided into 2-3 servings.
Treating Pimples and Boils: 60 g of Bái Huā Xià Tiề Tào, 20 g of dandelion, and 20 g of duckweed. Decoction for one day, divided into 2-3 servings.
Treating Snake Bites: 100 g of Bái Huā Xià Tiề Tào, crushed and mixed with water, the paste applied to the bite area, and the liquid consumed.
