Viola philippica is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Violaceae family, and the whole plant with roots of Viola philippica is used. Its main root is relatively thick and long, and it is rooted in the ground, so it is called "Di Ding". Because its flowers are purple, it is called "Zi Hua Di Ding". It is collectively known as "Er Ding" with dandelion.
I. Efficacy and Application
Viola yedoensis tastes bitter, pungent, and is cold in nature. It belongs to the heart and liver meridians.
Efficacy can clear heat and detoxify, cool blood and reduce swelling.
Commonly used for the treatment of snake bites, boils and sores, mouth and tongue ulcers, red and swollen eyes, and other conditions.
Summary of Famous Works by Renowned Authors
Compendium of Materia Medica: "All carbuncles, back carbuncles, furuncles, scrofula, unknown swellings and toxins, malignant sores."
Ben Cao Bei Yao: "Treats carbuncles and back abscesses, furuncles, scrofula, and unknown swellings and toxins."
II. Compatibility and Application
1. Used for heat-toxin sores and ulcers such as furuncles, breast abscesses, intestinal abscesses, and erysipelas. Viola yedoensis excels at clearing heat and detoxifying, and dissipating abscesses and swelling. It can be used alone by pounding fresh herbs to extract juice for oral administration, and applying the residue externally to the affected area. It can also be combined with Lonicera japonica, Taraxacum mongolicum, and Chrysanthemum indicum, as in the Five-Ingredient Detoxification Decoction.
The so-called furuncle is a relatively severe condition among sores and abscesses, primarily occurring on the face or fingers. Typically, it is about the size of a mung bean, accompanied by swelling, pain, and hardness, with a deep root that feels like a nail driven into the flesh. For furuncles on the face, it is important to avoid squeezing them to prevent the spread of toxins and the development of sepsis. Viola yedoensis is highly effective in treating furuncles and is often combined with honeysuckle, dandelion, forsythia, and other herbs.
For treating conditions such as heat boils, carbuncles, sore throat, and wind-heat eye inflammation caused by intense fire-heat toxicity, there is a ready-made medicine called "Erding Granules" available today. This is made by combining Viola yedoensis with dandelion, Lobelia chinensis, and other herbs, making it very convenient to purchase and take.
2. For snake bites. The fresh plant can be used by extracting its juice for oral consumption, and the residue mixed with a small amount of realgar can be pounded and applied externally, which has certain therapeutic effects.
III. Application Precautions
Viola yedoensis can be used in decoctions or as fresh juice. The usual dosage in decoctions is over ten grams; for external use, apply an appropriate amount.
Due to its cold nature, individuals with a cold constitution should use it with caution.
