Can Houttuynia cordata treat cough?
Jun 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
Houttuynia cordata has an auxiliary regulatory effect on cough caused by wind-heat invading the lung or phlegm-heat stagnation in the lung. Its cold property and functions of clearing heat and resolving phlegm can alleviate symptoms. However, it is less effective for cough due to wind-cold attacking the lung or lung yin deficiency. In the former case, its use may worsen the cold pathogen, while in the latter, it cannot address the underlying yin deficiency. Proper identification of the cough type is essential when using this herb, along with appropriate control of dosage and duration.
Generally, Houttuynia cordata (fish腥grass) has an auxiliary regulatory effect on cough caused by wind-heat invading the lung or phlegm-heat stagnation in the lung. However, it may exacerbate cough caused by wind-cold attacking the lung or lung yin deficiency. The analysis is as follows:
Wind-heat invading the lung often results from external contraction of wind-heat, presenting symptoms such as frequent and severe coughing, yellow and viscous sputum, sore throat, and swelling and pain in the throat. Houttuynia cordata is cold in nature and has functions of clearing heat and detoxifying, eliminating abscesses and discharging pus, promoting diuresis and relieving urinary difficulties. Its components, including volatile oils and flavonoids, can help reduce pulmonary inflammation, alleviate discomfort caused by this type of cough, promote sputum discharge, and improve cough symptoms. Cough caused by phlegm-heat stagnation in the lung is often accompanied by symptoms such as coarse breathing and abundant sticky yellow sputum. Houttuynia cordata, with its heat-clearing and phlegm-resolving properties, can assist in regulating lung function and relieving cough symptoms.
Cough caused by wind-cold invading the lung often manifests as heavy coughing, shortness of breath, itchy throat, and thin, white sputum. At this time, the lung is invaded by cold pathogens. The cold nature of Houttuynia cordata may aggravate internal cold pathogens, leading to worsening cough and failing to exert therapeutic effects. Patients with lung yin deficiency often present with dry cough without sputum or with minimal sticky sputum, accompanied by feverish sensations in the afternoon. This condition is mainly due to deficiency of lung yin, requiring nourishing yin and moistening the lungs. However, Houttuynia cordata primarily functions to clear heat and cannot fundamentally address the issue of lung yin deficiency, thus being less effective for this type of cough.
When using Houttuynia cordata to manage cough, it is essential to clearly identify the type of cough and strictly control the dosage and duration of use to avoid adverse effects due to improper application.
