Is Houttuynia cordata helpful for children with colds?

Aug 07, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

If a child's cold is of the wind-heat type, presenting with mild symptoms such as red and swollen throat, yellow nasal discharge, and no aversion to Houttuynia cordata (fishy-smelling herb), appropriately drinking water decocted with Houttuynia cordata may slightly help relieve localized discomfort due to its heat-clearing properties. In such cases, it may provide some support for recovery. However, for children with wind-cold type colds or severe symptoms, this remedy offers little benefit and may even cause discomfort.

Houttuynia cordata may have a certain auxiliary effect in relieving mild cold symptoms caused by wind-heat in children, but it is unlikely to benefit and may even be unsuitable for children suffering from wind-cold or severe symptoms. If there are any concerns, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional in advance. Detailed explanation is as follows:

If a child's cold is of the wind-heat type, presenting mild symptoms such as red and swollen throat and yellow nasal discharge, and the child does not have an aversion to Houttuynia cordata, drinking an appropriate amount of Houttuynia cordata decoction may slightly help alleviate localized discomfort due to its heat-clearing properties, thus providing some support for recovery.

If the child's cold is caused by wind-cold, accompanied by symptoms such as chills and clear nasal discharge, or if the cold symptoms are severe, such as high fever and severe coughing, the cold nature of Houttuynia cordata might worsen the discomfort and it cannot address serious infections. In such cases, relying on Houttuynia cordata might delay appropriate treatment.

Before giving Houttuynia cordata to children, their constitution and type of symptoms should be confirmed. The dosage should not be excessive, and force-feeding should be avoided. If symptoms such as vomiting or rash occur after consumption, administration should be stopped immediately and the child should be observed. If cold symptoms persist or worsen, prompt medical attention is necessary.

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What should be done if a child with a cold experiences recurring fever?

In general, fever refers to an elevated body temperature. Recurrent fevers in children with colds may be caused by underdeveloped thermoregulatory centers, poor heat dissipation, upper respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, or other reasons. Prompt medical attention is recommended, and treatment may include general care and medication under a doctor's guidance. It is also important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits and strengthen physical exercise during daily life.

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What Fruits Should Children Eat for a Cold or Cough?

In general, when children have a cold or cough, they can consume moderate amounts of fruits such as pears, oranges, grapefruits, loquats, and blueberries. During treatment and recovery, it is recommended that parents encourage children to eat more foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, to enhance immune function. At the same time, it is advisable to avoid excessive intake of greasy, spicy, and irritating foods, which may irritate the respiratory tract.

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Should children's cold medicine be taken before or after meals?

Whether children's cold medicine should be taken before or after meals depends on the drug's ingredients. Medications with mild components that do not irritate the gastrointestinal tract can be taken half an hour before meals, such as Children's Paracetamol, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, and Artificial Cow-bezoar Granules. If the ingredients may irritate the digestive tract and cause diarrhea or abdominal pain, it is recommended to take them half an hour after meals, such as medications containing aspirin or paracetamol.

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What medications can children take for colds and fever?

In general, fever refers to an elevated body temperature. Determining which medication to administer to a child with a cold and fever depends on identifying the underlying cause, common examples of which include dysregulation of body temperature control, physical activity and emotional excitement, acute upper respiratory tract infection, acute bronchitis, and pneumonia. If symptoms persist or cause concern, prompt medical attention is recommended. Encouraging children to develop healthy lifestyle habits and regularly ventilating indoor spaces are also important preventive measures.