Snake-Needle Grass

This large genus, consisting of about 300 species of annuals, perennial, and shrubs, occurs through the tropics and subtropics. Few are ornamental or have practical uses, though O. umbellata (Chay, Indian Madder) yields a dye used for turbans. Oldenlandia diffusa is a weed of moist ground and fields. It has a long history in Chinese folk medicine, and has come to prominence in recent years following pharmacological research. In traditional Chinese medicine it is renowned as a remedy for snakebite, especially of pit vipers. Oldenlandia hedyotidea is used in some parts of China for similar purposes. Leaves and roots have expectorant properties, and the root is a specific for snakebite. In Vietnam, O. capitellata is used for mouth ulcers and peptic ulcers, and O. corymbosa is known in folk medicine as a febrifuge; the latter is also used in India and the Phillipines.

Densely branched, prostrate annual with linear leaves, about 3cm (1¼in) long. Tiny purple-white flowers are produced in axillary pairs all year, mainly in late summer.

Common Name:	Snake-Needle Grass
Botanical Name:	Oldenlandia diffusa
Genus:	Oldenlandia
Family:	Rubiaceae
Native Location:	China
Cultivation:	Damp soil in partial shade.
Propagation:	By seed sown in spring.
Harvest:	Plants are cut in summer and dried for use in decoctions and syrups.
Height:	20-30cm (8-12in)
Width:	30cm (12in)
Hardiness:	Z9
Parts Used:	Whole Plant (bai hua zhe she cao)
Properties:	A pleasant-tasting, cooling, alterative herb that lowers fevers, reduces inflammation, relieves pain, and is diuretic as well as anti-bacterial. It acts mainly on the liver and stimulates the immune system.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for fever, coughs, asthma, jaundice, urinary tract infections, and cancers of the digestive tract. Externally for snakebite, boils, abscesses, and severe bruising.
Bibliography:	Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited Pg 294