Who should not eat Houttuynia cordata (fish mint)?

Jun 25, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, people with deficiency-cold of the spleen and stomach, individuals with allergic constitutions, those with hypotension, people currently taking specific medications, infants, and young children should not consume Houttuynia cordata (fish腥草). Houttuynia cordata has a cold nature and can easily further damage the yang energy of the spleen and stomach in individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold. These individuals typically have weak digestive functions and often experience symptoms such as mild epigastric pain, preference for warmth and pressure, and loose stools.

Generally, people with a cold deficiency of the spleen and stomach, individuals with allergic constitutions, those with hypotension, individuals currently taking specific medications, and infants should not consume Houttuynia cordata (fishy-smelling herb). Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. People with a cold deficiency of the spleen and stomach: Houttuynia cordata is cool in nature and may further impair the yang energy of the spleen and stomach in individuals with cold deficiency. These individuals typically have weak digestive functions and often experience symptoms such as mild stomach pain, preference for warmth and pressure, and loose stools. Consuming Houttuynia cordata can worsen the burden on the spleen and stomach, leading to adverse reactions such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.

2. Individuals with allergic constitutions: Houttuynia cordata contains various natural components that may be recognized as foreign antigens by the immune system in individuals with allergic constitutions, triggering abnormal immune responses. Mild reactions may include skin itching, rashes, and red spots, while severe cases may involve throat swelling, difficulty breathing, and even life-threatening conditions.

3. Individuals with hypotension: Houttuynia cordata contains certain components that may interfere with blood pressure regulation. In individuals with already low blood pressure, consumption of this herb may cause further drops in blood pressure, resulting in symptoms such as dizziness, weakness in the limbs, palpitations, and shortness of breath, which can affect normal life and overall health.

4. Individuals currently taking specific medications: Some medications may interact with Houttuynia cordata. For example, taking it together with antihypertensive or sedative drugs may enhance the effects of these medications, potentially causing excessive blood pressure reduction, excessive sedation, and other adverse reactions, thereby interfering with the normal efficacy of the medication and possibly causing new health issues.

5. Infants: The spleen and stomach of infants are delicate and their digestive systems are not fully developed. The cool nature of Houttuynia cordata may easily harm their vulnerable digestive system. Infants may not be able to express physical discomfort accurately, and after consumption, symptoms such as refusal to eat, irritability, and diarrhea may occur, which can affect their growth and development.

Before consuming Houttuynia cordata, it is important to fully understand your own physical condition. If you are unsure whether it is suitable for you, you should consult a professional physician or pharmacist. If any discomfort occurs after consumption, stop using it immediately and seek timely medical diagnosis and treatment.

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What are the benefits of eating wild Houttuynia cordata?

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Can I long-term drink water infused with wolfberry (goji berries) and heartleaf (Houttuynia cordata) while taking antipsychotic medication for schizophrenia?

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