Can Houttuynia cordata treat rhinitis, and how effective is it?
Aug 05, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
If rhinitis is in the acute exacerbation phase, with symptoms primarily characterized by redness and swelling of the nasal mucosa and nasal discharge, the use of Houttuynia cordata (fish腥grass) may help alleviate mucosal inflammation through its anti-inflammatory effects, thereby providing some relief from discomfort. If the condition is chronic rhinitis or allergic rhinitis, which involves a long disease course and easily recurring symptoms, Houttuynia cordata cannot address the underlying cause for a definitive cure and can only occasionally alleviate certain symptoms.
Generally, Houttuynia cordata may provide some relief for certain symptoms of rhinitis, but it is difficult to achieve a complete cure. It is more effective for acute rhinitis, while its effect on chronic rhinitis is relatively limited. If there are any concerns, it is advisable to seek medical consultation in advance. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If rhinitis is in the acute exacerbation phase, characterized mainly by nasal mucosal swelling, redness, and runny nose, the use of Houttuynia cordata may help alleviate mucosal inflammation through its anti-inflammatory effects, thereby relieving discomfort to some extent.
If the condition is chronic rhinitis or allergic rhinitis, which are characterized by a long disease course and recurring symptoms, Houttuynia cordata cannot address the underlying cause or provide a radical cure. It may only occasionally alleviate certain symptoms but is unlikely to lead to sustained improvement, making its effect unsatisfactory in such cases.
When using Houttuynia cordata to relieve rhinitis symptoms, attention should be paid to the method of application. When used externally for nasal irrigation, the concentration should be properly controlled, and when taken internally, the dosage should be moderate. If rhinitis symptoms are severe or persist for a prolonged period, timely medical attention should be sought, and standardized treatment methods should be adopted.
