Is it heat-inducing to eat Houttuynia cordata?

Jun 25, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Based on the properties of Houttuynia cordata, its active ingredients determine its effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, and promoting diuresis. For individuals with internal excess heat or damp-heat symptoms, moderate consumption can help eliminate internal heat and alleviate symptoms such as red, swollen, and painful eyes or sore throat. It helps regulate the internal body environment and does not cause heat accumulation (excess internal heat).

Under normal circumstances, Houttuynia cordata (fishy-smelling herb) is inherently cool in nature. When consumed normally, it does not cause heatiness (excess internal heat). However, excessive consumption or consumption by individuals with cold deficiency of the spleen and stomach may lead to discomfort resembling "heatiness." If abnormalities occur, prompt medical attention is advised. Detailed analysis is as follows:

From the characteristics of Houttuynia cordata, its effective components determine that it has functions of clearing heat, detoxifying, and relieving dampness. For individuals with excessive internal heat or damp-heat symptoms, moderate consumption can help eliminate internal heat and alleviate symptoms such as red, swollen, painful eyes and sore throat, thus regulating the internal body environment without causing heatiness.

However, excessive consumption of Houttuynia cordata burdens the spleen and stomach. Particularly for individuals with cold deficiency of the spleen and stomach, it may further damage the yang energy of the spleen and stomach, impairing its transformation and transportation functions, leading to accumulation of dampness in the body and symptoms such as indigestion and bloating, which may easily be mistaken as "heatiness." Additionally, excessive intake may disrupt the body's yin-yang balance and interfere with normal metabolism, causing physical discomfort.

Consumption of Houttuynia cordata should be moderate. Individuals with cold deficiency of the spleen and stomach should be especially cautious. If physical discomfort occurs after consumption, intake should be stopped immediately, and medical advice should be sought to assess and manage the symptoms.

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