What are the benefits of boiling Houttuynia cordata and Prunella vulgaris together?

Jun 25, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Houttuynia cordata and Prunella vulgaris are both cold-natured substances. When boiled together, their ability to clear heat and detoxify is enhanced. This combination can effectively eliminate internal heat toxins, alleviate symptoms caused by excessive internal heat such as facial flushing, red eyes, sore throat, and swollen gums, regulate the internal bodily environment, and relieve internal dry heat. Generally, boiling Houttuynia cordata together with Prunella vulgaris has functions including clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing swelling and dispersing nodules, as well as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.

Generally, when Houttuynia cordata and Prunella vulgaris are boiled together, they have effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing swelling and dispersing nodules, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions, cooling blood to stop bleeding, and promoting diuresis to relieve stranguria. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Clearing heat and detoxifying: Both Houttuynia cordata and Prunella vulgaris are cool in nature. When boiled together, their ability to clear heat and detoxify is enhanced. This combination can effectively eliminate internal heat toxins, alleviate symptoms caused by excessive internal heat such as flushed face, red eyes, sore throat, and bleeding gums, regulate the internal environment of the body, and relieve internal heatiness.

2. Reducing swelling and dispersing nodules: Prunella vulgaris is effective at resolving accumulations, while Houttuynia cordata can assist in reducing inflammation and swelling. Drinking the decoction may provide auxiliary treatment for conditions such as thyroid nodules and mammary gland hyperplasia caused by qi stagnation, blood stasis, or phlegm-fire accumulation, helping to alleviate local swelling and discomfort.

3. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects: The active ingredients in both herbs can inhibit common pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Drinking the decoction can exert antibacterial effects in the body, reducing inflammation caused by bacterial infections, and providing some relief for symptoms like respiratory or intestinal infections.

4. Cooling blood and stopping bleeding: For symptoms such as hemoptysis or epistaxis caused by excessive heat in the blood, boiling Houttuynia cordata and Prunella vulgaris together can exert effects of cooling the blood and stopping bleeding. By reducing internal heat in the blood, it helps prevent abnormal bleeding and supports the restoration of normal blood circulation and coagulation function.

5. Promoting diuresis and relieving stranguria: Houttuynia cordata has diuretic properties, while Prunella vulgaris helps eliminate dampness. When used together in a decoction, they can promote urine production and excretion, flush the urinary tract, improve symptoms of frequent urination, urgency, and painful urination caused by urinary tract infections, and also help alleviate edema caused by internal accumulation of dampness.

When drinking the decoction of Houttuynia cordata and Prunella vulgaris, it is important to note that these herbs are cold in nature. Individuals with spleen and stomach cold deficiency should avoid excessive consumption to prevent aggravating internal cold. Before consumption, understand your body constitution. If unsure whether it is suitable for you, consult a physician. If any adverse reactions occur after consumption, stop immediately and seek medical attention.

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What are the benefits of eating wild Houttuynia cordata?

Under normal circumstances, wild Houttuubu (Zhe'er Gen), a common edible and medicinal plant, offers several health benefits including clearing heat and detoxifying the body, promoting diuresis to reduce swelling, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, stimulating appetite and aiding digestion, as well as assisting in lowering blood lipids. However, it should be noted that wild Houttuubu is cooling in nature, so individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold should limit consumption to avoid discomfort such as bloating and diarrhea. It must also be thoroughly washed before eating.

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Can I long-term drink water infused with wolfberry (goji berries) and heartleaf (Houttuynia cordata) while taking antipsychotic medication for schizophrenia?

Under normal circumstances, it is generally safe to long-term consume goji berries and Houttuynia cordata (fish mint) infusion while taking antipsychotic medications. However, intake should be moderated to avoid excessive consumption that may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Choose fresh, unspoiled goji berries and Houttuynia cordata to ensure the hygiene and safety of the brewed drink. There should be a time interval between medication intake and drinking the infusion to avoid potential indirect interactions. Maintain a balanced diet overall.