Can patients with hepatitis eat Houttuynia cordata?
Jun 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
Patients with hepatitis should consume Houttuynia cordata according to their individual condition. During the stable phase of the disease, when bodily indicators are steady, moderate consumption of Houttuynia cordata may be beneficial, as its natural components can help clear heat and toxins, support improved metabolism, and not increase the burden on the liver. However, during acute episodes when liver function is impaired, consumption may加重metabolic负担 and hinder recovery. Attention should also be paid to the quantity and cooking method when consuming it.
Whether hepatitis patients can consume Houttuynia cordata (fish mint) should be determined according to their specific medical condition. Patients in a stable phase of the disease may consume it in moderation, while those in an active phase should avoid it. Detailed explanation is as follows:
When a hepatitis patient's condition is in the stable phase and bodily indicators are relatively balanced, moderate consumption of Houttuynia cordata may be acceptable. This is because it contains various natural components that have heat-clearing and detoxifying properties and may assist in improving metabolic function. In this situation, it can provide some supportive benefits to the body without imposing excessive burden on the liver, thus making moderate consumption acceptable.
If a hepatitis patient is in an active phase of illness, during which liver function is significantly affected and the body is relatively weak, consuming Houttuynia cordata may potentially increase the liver's metabolic burden due to individual differences or the herb's properties, thus negatively affecting recovery. Therefore, its consumption should be avoided during this phase.
Hepatitis patients must strictly base their consumption of Houttuynia cordata on their stage of illness, while also paying attention to the quantity consumed and the cooking method, to ensure safety.
