Is Houttuynia cordata harmful to the kidneys?

Normal and moderate consumption of Houttuynia cordata generally does not harm the kidneys; however, long-term excessive consumption or consumption by individuals with pre-existing kidney insufficiency may increase the burden on the kidneys. If any abnormalities occur, prompt medical attention is advised. Detailed explanation is as follows:

Provided it is consumed correctly and in controlled amounts, Houttuynia cordata, as a dual-purpose medicinal and food ingredient, contains active components that are normally metabolized and excreted from the body, causing no kidney damage. Moderate consumption of Houttuynia cordata can utilize its heat-clearing, detoxifying, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties to help regulate the body's internal environment and maintain health.

However, long-term excessive consumption of Houttuynia cordata may lead to accumulation of substances such as aristolactam within the body, exceeding the kidneys' normal metabolic capacity, thereby increasing the burden on the kidneys and damaging renal function. For individuals with existing kidney insufficiency or kidney disease, whose kidney metabolic function is already weak, consuming Houttuynia cordata may more easily lead to residual harmful substances and cause kidney damage, which is unfavorable for disease recovery.

When consuming Houttuynia cordata, it is important to control the amount. Individuals with impaired kidney function or those needing long-term consumption should definitely consult a physician first and make reasonable choices based on their individual health condition to avoid negatively affecting kidney health due to improper consumption.