What diseases can Houttuynia cordata treat?

　　Houttuynia cordata generally has an auxiliary therapeutic effect on conditions such as cough due to lung heat, sore throat, urinary tract infections, skin inflammation, and intestinal infections. Detailed analysis is as follows:

　　1. Cough due to lung heat: Houttuynia cordata is cold in nature and enters the lung meridian, possessing functions of clearing heat and detoxifying. It effectively removes excessive heat from the lungs, especially for cough caused by excessive lung heat accompanied by symptoms such as yellow phlegm, dry throat, and thirst. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can reduce respiratory tract inflammation, inhibit pathogens, alleviate coughing, thin mucus, and promote phlegm expulsion.

　　2. Sore throat: When the throat becomes red, swollen, and painful, with symptoms such as difficulty swallowing caused by excessive internal heat or external wind-heat invasion, Houttuynia cordata can be effective. Its active components can reduce throat inflammation, relieve mucosal congestion and swelling, ease pain and discomfort, and help restore normal throat function.

　　3. Urinary tract infection: For bacterial infections such as urethritis and cystitis, which manifest as frequent urination, urgency, and painful urination, Houttuynia cordata's diuretic properties can promote urine production and excretion, flushing the urinary tract. Its antibacterial effects also inhibit pathogens, reduce inflammation, and assist in alleviating symptoms of urinary tract infections.

　　4. Skin inflammation: For skin inflammations such as boils and carbuncles caused by heat toxicity, Houttuynia cordata can be taken internally or applied externally. Internally, it clears heat and detoxifies from within the body; externally, it acts directly on the affected area, reducing local redness, swelling, heat, and pain, promoting inflammation resolution, and accelerating wound healing.

　　5. Intestinal infection: When the intestines are invaded by bacteria, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and tenesmus, Houttuynia cordata's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can inhibit the growth of intestinal pathogens. At the same time, it regulates the intestinal environment, alleviates intestinal inflammation, reduces symptoms like diarrhea, and promotes recovery of intestinal function.

　　Using Houttuynia cordata as an adjunctive treatment should not replace standard medical care. Before consumption or medicinal use, individuals should understand their physical condition. Those with cold deficiency in the spleen and stomach or weak constitution should use it cautiously. If symptoms worsen or persist, timely medical consultation and standardized treatment are necessary.