Can pregnant women eat Houttuynia cordata?

Jun 25, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, pregnant women can consume Houttuynia cordata (fish mint), but it is not recommended to eat it in large quantities. However, when pregnant women do consume Houttuynia cordata, they should ensure that it is fresh and clean to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort caused by contaminated ingredients. Moreover, the quantity consumed must be strictly controlled, as excessive intake may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Generally speaking, pregnant women can consume Houttuynia cordata (fish mint), but it is not recommended to eat it in large quantities. Detailed explanations are as follows:

Houttuynia cordata is rich in vitamin C, dietary fiber, calcium, iron, and other essential nutrients. Vitamin C helps enhance the immunity of pregnant women, reducing chances of illness during pregnancy and promoting iron absorption. Dietary fiber effectively alleviates common pregnancy-related constipation and helps maintain a healthy digestive tract. Additionally, in traditional medicine, Houttuynia cordata is known for its properties of clearing heat, detoxifying, reducing inflammation, and fighting bacterial infection. It can help regulate conditions such as body heat and mild inflammation caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy. Moreover, its unique flavor can add variety to a pregnant woman's diet, stimulate appetite, and aid in the intake of more diverse nutrients.

However, pregnant women should ensure that the Houttuynia cordata they consume is fresh and clean to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort caused by contaminated ingredients. Additionally, consumption should be strictly controlled, as excessive intake may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.

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