Can Houttuynia cordata treat hemorrhoids?

Generally speaking, Houttuynia cordata can be used as an adjunctive treatment for hemorrhoids, but it should not be considered a specific treatment for hemorrhoids. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation at a regular hospital. Detailed explanation is as follows:

Houttuynia cordata is rich in active ingredients such as volatile oils and quercitrin, which have properties of clearing heat, detoxifying, reducing swelling, draining pus, and anti-inflammatory effects. Hemorrhoids are commonly caused by damp-heat descending and stagnation of qi and blood. The cold nature of Houttuynia cordata can clear damp-heat from the lower jiao, alleviating redness and pain caused by hemorrhoids. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects can inhibit bacterial growth around the anus, reduce inflammatory responses, and lower the risk of infection. Additionally, Houttuynia cordata can improve local blood circulation, reduce congestion and dilation of the hemorrhoidal veins, and thereby reduce the size of hemorrhoids to some extent. Whether using Houttuynia cordata water for sitting baths, allowing the active ingredients to act directly on the affected area, or taking Houttuynia cordata decoction orally for internal regulation, both approaches can play a positive role in relieving discomfort symptoms of hemorrhoids.

However, it must be clearly understood that Houttuynia cordata serves only as an adjunctive therapy and cannot cure hemorrhoids completely. If symptoms of hemorrhoids are severe, such as massive bleeding or prolapsed hemorrhoids that cannot be reduced, timely medical attention is necessary, and professional interventions such as medication or surgery should be used. When using Houttuynia cordata as an adjunctive treatment, care should be taken to select fresh and clean herbs to avoid other health problems caused by unclean materials. Due to its cold nature, individuals with weak spleen and stomach functions should avoid frequent or excessive use of Houttuynia cordata to prevent further damage to spleen and stomach function. At the same time, during the period of adjunctive treatment, it is still important to maintain good lifestyle habits, such as increasing dietary fiber intake, avoiding prolonged sitting, and maintaining anal hygiene, in order to better improve the condition of hemorrhoids.