The Benefits, Effects and Contraindications of Houttuynia cordata (Fish Mint, Zhe'ergen): It Can Treat Hemorrhoids and Rhinitis

Houttuynia cordata is a Chinese herbal medicine, also called Zhe'ergen (fish mint). Houttuynia cordata is generally harvested in summer and mostly grows along field edges and roadsides. It has the effect of clearing heat and removing toxins, and back in my hometown it is generally used to make tea. So what are the benefits, effects and contraindications of Houttuynia cordata? Can it treat hemorrhoids, rhinitis and gynecological diseases? The details are summarized below:

I. The Benefits of Houttuynia cordata

1. Clears and drains lung heat, stops cough and resolves phlegm

Houttuynia cordata has health benefits such as clearing and draining lung heat, resolving phlegm and stopping cough. It not only effectively prevents disease but also has a good effect on stopping cough. The main methods are: Houttuynia cordata soup; Houttuynia cordata stewed with snow pear; a decoction of Houttuynia cordata, licorice and plantain herb;

2. Anti-inflammatory and sterilizing

Houttuynia cordata can be boiled in water for bathing, which can remove harmful bacteria, disinfect the skin and prevent rashes.

II. The Effects of Houttuynia cordata

1. Antibacterial and antiviral effects

A yellow oily substance can be extracted from Houttuynia cordata. This substance has an inhibitory effect on various microorganisms, with a clear inhibitory effect on hemolytic streptococcus, influenza bacillus and pneumococcus, and it also acts on Escherichia coli and typhoid bacillus. Its antibacterial effect is extremely strong.

Houttuynia cordata also has an inhibitory effect on many viruses, such as inhibiting influenza A Asian type, and can delay the growth of the orphan virus ECHO11. The extracted juice and leaves can also inhibit herpes simplex virus infection.

2. Diuretic effect

Injection of Houttuynia cordata extract can dilate capillaries, speed up blood flow and promote urine secretion, thereby having a diuretic effect.

3. Antitumor effect

Houttuynia cordata can, to a certain extent, kill cancer cells or inhibit their division and growth, and has a certain antitumor effect.

III. Contraindications of Houttuynia cordata

1. People with an allergic constitution must not use Houttuynia cordata

A person's constitution is formed from childhood. If the face is prone to allergies, it means the body's skin is prone to allergies. People who develop eczema in damp and cold weather must not eat it, and people whose skin turns red when exposed to the sun must not eat it.

2. People with a cold constitution must not eat Houttuynia cordata

Houttuynia cordata is cold in nature. People who themselves have problems such as uterine cold or a cold constitution must not eat it, as this will directly make cold worse. This is especially true for women, and in severe cases it may lead to infertility.

3. People with poor liver function must not eat Houttuynia cordata

Every medicine is somewhat toxic. Although Houttuynia cordata itself is a Chinese medicinal herb and can also be eaten as food, it still has a certain toxicity. The liver is responsible for detoxification, so if liver function is poor, it is best not to use Houttuynia cordata for a long time.

IV. Houttuynia cordata can treat hemorrhoids

Houttuynia cordata can treat hemorrhoids. The specific method is as follows:

Take an appropriate amount of Houttuynia cordata, wash it clean, put it in a pot, add water and bring to a boil, then pour the water and Houttuynia cordata into a basin and sit directly over it to steam. When the water is almost cool, wash the affected hemorrhoid area with the water. The effect is very good, and long-term use gives excellent results.

V. Houttuynia cordata can treat rhinitis

Houttuynia cordata can treat rhinitis. The specific method is as follows:

For treating rhinitis with Houttuynia cordata, combining internal and external use gives a better effect. Take 30 grams of Houttuynia cordata and 30 grams of Isatis root, 20 grams of Angelica dahurica, add honeysuckle, platycodon, Siberian cocklebur fruit, Sichuan lovage rhizome, forsythia, magnolia flower and decoct them together in water twice. Take the medicine and liquid together, once in the morning and once in the evening.

VI. Can Houttuynia cordata treat gynecological diseases?

Houttuynia cordata has a certain effect in treating gynecological diseases. The specific method is as follows:

Take an appropriate amount of Houttuynia cordata, decoct it in water and use the liquid to fumigate and wash the vulva, once in the morning and once in the evening. Note: Houttuynia cordata only plays a supporting role in treating gynecological diseases. If you have gynecological diseases, you should still go to the hospital for proper medical treatment, and must never rely solely on Houttuynia cordata to solve them.