Botanical Overview
Houttuynia cordata is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family Saururaceae. Commonly known as Chameleon plant, Fish mint, Heartleaf, and Yuxingcao, it is native to East and Southeast Asia. The most commonly used parts in herbal medicine are the leaves and the whole plant, valued for their medicinal properties.
Energetics
This plant is traditionally considered cooling in temperature and moistening in moisture quality. It carries predominantly bitter and pungent tastes, with a descending directionality. It is generally classified as having a relaxing tonicity and primarily influences the qi aspect of the body’s energetic system.
Primary Actions
- Antimicrobial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Diuretic
- Expectorant
Indications
Western
- Cough
- Fever
- Urinary tract infections
- Inflammation
- Edema
Syndromes
- Upper respiratory infections
- Bronchitis
- Urinary tract infections
- Inflammatory conditions
TCM
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Dampness accumulation
- Urinary difficulty
Syndromes
- Wind-heat conditions
- Damp-heat syndromes
- Lung heat
- Urinary damp-heat
Ayurveda
Not traditionally used or documented in Ayurveda.
Unani
Not traditionally used or documented in Unani medicine.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Houttuynia cordata contains flavonoids, alkaloids, essential and volatile oils, polyphenols, and quercetin, which contribute to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Infusion: 2-5 g, 1-3 times daily
- Decoction: 5-10 g, 1-2 times daily
- Fresh leaf juice for topical application
Safety & Contraindications
Generally regarded as safe with traditional use. Rare cases of allergic contact dermatitis have been reported. Use cautiously during pregnancy due to insufficient safety data. Avoid if allergic to the plant. No well-documented drug interactions; caution advised when combining with diuretics or hypotensive medications.
Astrological Correspondences
No credible sources found linking Houttuynia cordata with planetary or elemental rulers.
Selected References
- Houttuynia cordata – Edible & Medicinal Plants, Plants For A Future Database
- Chinese Materia Medica, Bensky, Clavey, Stoger (2004)
- Phytochemical composition and biological activities of Houttuynia cordata, Chen et al. (2016)
- Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, Tyler (2011)