Herbs Hub
Houttuynia, Houttuynia cordata. Botanical plate: Naturalis Biodiversity Center - RMNH.ART.760 - Houttuynia cordata - Yūshi Ishizaki - Cock
Plate: Naturalis Biodiversity Center - RMNH.ART.760 - Houttuynia cordata - Yūshi Ishizaki - Cock . Ishizaki Yūshi. Public domain.

Houttuynia

Houttuynia cordata · 鱼腥草

Herbs & Roots. Chinese Medicine.

Also called Yu xing cao, Fish mint, Fish herb, Chameleon plant

Pinyin: Yú xīng cǎo

Little human safety data

A fishy-smelling herb from East Asia, used in Chinese medicine for lung infections, pus-filled boils and phlegm.

Did you know? Its Chinese name, yu xing cao, means 'fish-smell herb,' and in Vietnam the fresh leaves are eaten raw in salads.

What it may help, and how strong the proof is

  • Breathing & asthma. Used in China for lung infections and pus. Lab work and small reports exist, but good human trials of the herb are lacking.
    Traditional proof
  • Infections. Lab studies show activity against some bacteria and viruses. Human proof is lacking.
    Traditional proof
  • Inflammation. Lab and animal studies show anti-inflammatory activity.
    Traditional proof

Parts of the body

Lungs, Immune system, Joints

Traditional use

Traditional Chinese Medicine has used houttuynia for lung heat with cough and phlegm, and for pus-filled sores and boils. Vietnamese cooks also use the fresh leaves in raw dishes.

How it is classified

Herbal actions
Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Expectorant. Energy: cooling.
Chinese medicine
鱼腥草 Clear heat. Nature: cool. Flavour: pungent. Enters the Lung channel.

How people take it

Traditional doses are about 15 to 25 grams of dried herb in a decoction. Fresh leaves are eaten raw in some Southeast Asian dishes.

Tea, decoction, capsule and food.

Where to get it

Grows wild in wet, shady places across East and Southeast Asia, and spreads as a garden weed in some areas. Sold as dried herb, tea, capsules and fresh leaves in Asian markets.

Be careful

Fresh leaves have a strong smell and taste. Some people report stomach upset or allergic rash. Pregnancy and use in young children are not well studied.

Avoid if: pregnancy; children under 12.

Mixing with other things

  • Works well together

    Both are used together in Chinese practice for lung and throat infections, though no trial has tested the pairing.

  • Works well together

    Often combined with honeysuckle in heat-clearing formulas for lung and throat infections.

The honest take

Houttuynia is a common herb in Chinese medicine and Vietnamese food, and lab studies show antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action. Good human trials are lacking, so claims about lung infections or pneumonia are not proven. Product quality varies, and the strong smell can be hard to tolerate.