Zi Hua Di Ding vs Vana Tulsi

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Zi Hua Di Ding

Viola yedoensis

Antimicrobial

Ocimum gratissimum

Antimicrobial

Zi Hua Di Ding

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Vana Tulsi

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

Perennial violet of East Asia; whole plant used in TCM to clear heat, detoxify and reduce swellings — specifically for skin infections and abscesses.

Shrubby basil of Africa and Asia; one of three Tulsi varieties used in Ayurveda; also widely used across Africa for infections and malaria.

Active Compounds

flavonoids, violaxanthin, tannins, saponins, coumarins

eugenol, thymol, carvacrol, beta-caryophyllene, rosmarinic acid

Traditional Uses

Toxic heat skin conditions in TCM, Abscesses and skin infections, Snake and insect bites, Used with Pu Gong Ying in classic heat-toxin formula

Adaptogenic tonic in Ayurveda (Vana Tulsi variety), Malaria and fever across Africa, Wound healing in African medicine, Respiratory infections

Modern Uses

Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Antitumor research, Wound healing

Antimicrobial, Antifungal, Adaptogen, Anti-inflammatory

Adult Dosage

9–30 g fresh or 3–9 g dried as decoction; topical poultice

2–4 g dried herb as tea; diluted essential oil; 2–3 mL tincture

Contraindications

Cold conditions

Anticoagulant medications, Pregnancy in large doses

Side Effects

GI upset in cold constitution

Blood thinning, GI irritation in high doses

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E