Houttuyniae Herba
Aliases：Cen Cao、Ji、Zu Cai、Zi Bei Yu Xing Cao、Zi Ji、Zu Zi、Ce Er Gen、Jiu Jie Lian、Zhe Er Gen、Fei Xing Cao、Chou Xing
Yuxingcao (Houttuyniae Herba) is a Chinese medicinal herb that clears heat and resolves toxicity. It is the fresh whole plant or dried aerial part of Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (family Saururaceae).
Efficacy & Actions
Clear heat and resolve toxin, eliminate carbuncles and expel pus, promote diuresis and relieve strangury.
Indications
1. Lung abscess with purulent sputum and lung‑heat cough This herb is cold in nature, enabling it to clear heat and descend rebellious qi; it is pungent in taste, allowing it to dissipate nodules and expel pathogens. It primarily enters the lung meridian, excels at clearing lung‑heat, and also possesses the ability to eliminate abscesses and drain pus. Therefore, it is considered an essential herb for treating lung abscess. 2. Heat‑toxin sores and carbuncles Being pungent and cold, Yuxingcao both clears heat, resolves toxicity, and eliminates abscesses. Hence, it is also commonly used for external carbuncles and sores. 3. Stranguria due to damp‑heat Yuxingcao clears heat, removes dampness, promotes diuresis, and relieves painful stranguria. It is particularly effective in clearing damp‑heat from the urinary bladder and is indicated for conditions such as painful, dribbling urination. 4. Other uses – Damp‑heat diarrhea and dysentery Yuxingcao also clears heat and stops dysentery, making it suitable for treating diarrhea and dysentery caused by damp‑heat.
Modern Pharmacology
1. Antimicrobial and antiviral activity Houttuynin (sodium houttuyfonate) exhibits varying degrees of inhibitory effects against a range of Gram‑positive and Gram‑negative bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus type A, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria catarrhalis, Salmonella typhi, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In addition, the non‑volatile components extracted with diethyl ether also demonstrate antiviral activity. 2. Immunoenhancement and anti‑inflammatory activity Yuxingcao increases the phagocytic capacity of white blood cells, thereby boosting immune function, and also exhibits anti‑inflammatory effects. 3. Diuretic activity The quercetin and potassium salts present in Yuxingcao dilate the renal arteries and increase renal blood flow, leading to a potent diuretic effect. 4. Other activities In addition to the above actions, Yuxingcao also possesses analgesic, hemostatic, tissue regeneration‑promoting, wound healing, and antitussive (cough‑suppressing) effects.
Ingredients
This product contains volatile oils such as decanoyl acetaldehyde, linalool, and methyl n-nonyl ketone; flavonoid components such as afzelin and hyperoside; as well as organic acids, proteins, and amino acids.
Usage & Dosage
1. Internal use: 15–25 g in decoction. For fresh herb, double the amount; take as a decoction or crush to extract juice. 2. External use: Appropriate amount; crush for topical application, or decoct for fumigation and washing of the affected area.
Contraindications
1. This product contains volatile oils and should not be decocted for a prolonged time. 2. It is contraindicated in cases of deficiency-cold pattern and yin-type sores (cold-type sores).
Selected Formulas
1. Phlegm‑heat congesting the lung For chest pain, coughing with purulent sputum or hemoptysis due to phlegm‑heat congestion in the lung, Yuxingcao is often combined with Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix), Lugen (Phragmitis Rhizoma), and Gualou (Trichosanthis Fructus). For lung‑heat cough with yellow sputum and rapid breathing, it is often combined with Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Beimu (Fritillariae Bulbus), and Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma). 2. External carbuncles and sores For external carbuncles and sores, Yuxingcao is often combined with Yejuhua (Chrysanthemi Indici Flos), Pugongying (Taraxaci Herba), and Jinyinhua (Lonicerae Flos). Alternatively, the fresh herb can be used alone, crushed, and applied externally to the affected area. 3. Stranguria due to damp‑heat (painful dribbling urination) For painful dribbling urination caused by damp‑heat in the bladder, Yuxingcao is often combined with Cheqiancao (Plantaginis Herba), Baimaogen (Imperatae Rhizoma), and Haijinsha (Lygodii Spora) to promote diuresis and relieve stranguria.
Daily Consumption
Cold salad: Wash fresh herb, cut into sections, sprinkle with salt and let sit briefly, then mix with minced garlic, chili oil, light soy sauce, and vinegar. Do not exceed 100 g per serving. Decoction as tea: Use 10–15 g of dried herb, add water, boil for 10–20 minutes. May add rock sugar or honey. Helps relieve sore throat and cough. Soup: Use 50–200 g of fresh herb, simmer with pork ribs or chicken for 1–1.5 hours. The pungent odor is greatly reduced after cooking; suitable for debilitated individuals. Stir‑fry / stir‑fry with cured meat: Quickly stir‑fry tender stems and leaves over high heat, with cured meat or sliced meat. Omelet: Finely chop 150 g of fresh leaves, mix with 4 beaten eggs, and cook until set. The flavor is mild. Congee / noodle soup: Add chopped fresh houttuynia to congee or noodle soup.
Medicinal Parts
fresh whole plant or dried above-ground part
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry place.