Can patients with facial paralysis eat Houttuynia cordata?
Jun 27, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Whether patients with facial paralysis can consume Houttuynia cordata (fish mint) depends on their individual constitution and medical condition. Patients with a heat constitution or wind-heat type facial paralysis may benefit from Houttuynia cordata's cooling, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties to aid recovery. However, for those with a cold-deficiency constitution or cold-wind type facial paralysis, consuming Houttuynia cordata may exacerbate cold symptoms, impair qi and blood circulation, and hinder recovery. Patients with facial paralysis should carefully choose their diet according to their individual condition.
Whether patients with facial paralysis can consume Houttuynia cordata (fish mint) depends on their individual constitution and condition. It is suitable for those with a hot constitution and wind-heat type facial paralysis, but not recommended for those with a cold-deficient constitution and wind-cold type facial paralysis. Details are as follows:
Patients with facial paralysis and a hot constitution often experience symptoms such as dry mouth, bitter taste, flushed face, and red eyes. Houttuynia cordata is cool in nature and has functions of clearing heat, detoxifying, reducing inflammation, and fighting bacteria. It can help alleviate internal heat and reduce inflammation of the facial nerve, thus facilitating recovery. Wind-heat type facial paralysis is usually caused by external contraction of wind-heat, and the properties of Houttuynia cordata are particularly suitable for addressing this condition, helping to relieve symptoms.
Individuals with a cold-deficient constitution inherently lack yang energy and often exhibit symptoms such as cold hands and feet and sensitivity to cold. The cold nature of Houttuynia cordata may exacerbate internal cold deficiency, potentially impairing blood and qi circulation and hindering recovery from facial paralysis. Wind-cold type facial paralysis results from invasion by wind-cold pathogens, and treatment requires warming and dispersing wind-cold. However, the cooling nature of Houttuynia cordata contradicts this therapeutic approach, and its consumption may worsen the condition.
When making dietary choices, patients with facial paralysis must fully understand their own condition and carefully consider ingredients like Houttuynia cordata to avoid negatively impacting the recovery process due to improper diet.
