What is Houttuynia cordata? Its efficacy and function

Houttuynia cordata is mainly produced in Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Hubei. Its stem is flat cylindrical or quasi-cylindrical, twisted and slender, about 10-30 cm long and 2-4 mm thick. The surface is light reddish brown to yellowish brown, with longitudinal wrinkles or fine grooves, and the nodes are clearly visible. There are traces of fibrous roots on the nodes near the bottom. So, what is Houttuynia cordata? What are the effects and functions of Houttuynia cordata? Let's learn about it with Encyclopedia Knowledge Network!

What is Houttuynia cordata

Houttuynia cordata is also known as Houttuynia cordata and Houttuynia cordata. It is named because its fresh leaves have a strong fishy smell. If it is used fresh in soup, this special fishy smell is unacceptable. However, after Houttuynia cordata is dried in the shade, the fishy smell disappears and it has a slight fragrance. When adding water to boil soup, it can also emit a fragrance similar to cinnamon. The soup color and taste are both like light black tea juice, fragrant and slightly astringent.

Houttuynia cordata is mainly produced in Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Hubei. Its stem is flat cylindrical or quasi-cylindrical, twisted and slender, about 10-30 cm long and 2-4 mm thick. The surface is light reddish brown to yellowish brown, with longitudinal wrinkles or fine grooves, and the nodes are clearly visible. There are traces of fibrous roots on the nodes near the bottom.

Houttuynia cordata can clear away heat and detoxify, promote diuresis and reduce swelling. It has certain effects on heat dysentery, eczema, lung abscess, edema and carbuncle, and is also an important medicine for treating lung abscess in traditional Chinese medicine.

Fresh houttuynia cordata is more common in general meat and vegetable markets, and the ones with large leaves and strong fishy smell are preferred. Most Chinese herbal medicine stores sell dried houttuynia cordata, and the ones with light reddish brown color, complete stems and leaves, and no impurities such as soil are preferred.

What are the nutritional values ​​of Houttuynia cordata?

Studies have shown that Houttuynia cordata contains a large number of compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects and can also enhance immunity. A compound with anti-cancer and cancer prevention effects can be isolated from Houttuynia cordata. It can treat rectal cancer, choriocarcinoma, and middle and late stage lung cancer. It has the effects of reducing swelling, diuresis, removing dampness, strengthening the stomach, digesting food, clearing away heat and stopping diarrhea, and clearing away heat and detoxifying.

The efficacy and function of Houttuynia cordata

What are the effects and functions of Houttuynia cordata? Houttuynia cordata tastes a little spicy and has a cold nature. It has the effects of clearing away heat and detoxifying, reducing swelling and curing sores, promoting diuresis and removing dampness, and strengthening the stomach and digestion. It is generally used to treat diseases such as lung abscess, swelling, toxicity, and heat accumulation in the spleen and stomach.

1. Antibacterial

Experts have shown that the smell of Houttuynia cordata comes from the ingredient in its volatile oil, houttuynia cordata. Houttuynia cordata has antibacterial properties and has a significant inhibitory effect on influenza bacilli, catarrhal cocci, Staphylococcus aureus, and pneumococci.

2. Diuretic

Houttuynia cordata contains quercetin, which has diuretic and antiviral effects.

3. Anti-inflammatory

Medical clinical evidence shows that Houttuynia cordata has significant therapeutic effects on upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, chronic tracheitis, chronic cervicitis, whooping cough, etc. It can also be used to treat acute conjunctivitis and urinary tract infections.

4. Enhance immunity

In addition to antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, Houttuynia cordata also has the effect of improving human immunity. Taking Houttuynia cordata increases the phagocytic ability of white blood cells, stops bleeding, relieves pain, relieves cough, promotes tissue regeneration, dilates capillaries, and increases blood flow.

Taboos on eating Houttuynia cordata

1. Houttuynia cordata is cold in nature and should not be eaten too much.

2. Eating too much can cause shortness of breath.

3. Eating it for a long time will cause weakness, damage Yang Qi, and consume essence.

4. Master the dosage: if it is dry, try to control it within 30 grams; if it is fresh, it can be increased to 100 grams.

5. Do not eat it multiple times in a row. Eat it 2-3 times a week.

Suitable people for Houttuynia cordata

It is edible for the general population, and is especially suitable for people with influenza, frequent constipation, damp-heat in the spleen and stomach, abdominal distension, nausea and vomiting, and loss of appetite.

Who should not eat Houttuynia cordata?

People with weak and cold constitution and those suffering from carbuncle and ulcer which are yin-cold and have no redness, swelling, heat or pain should avoid eating it.