Single Herb Glossary
Yú Xīng Cǎo 魚腥草
| Pharmaceutical name | Houttuyniae Herba Houttuynia cordata herb “fishy-smelling herb” |
| Category | Clear Heat, Resolve Toxicity |
| Key Properties | Disperses heat Resolves toxicity Reduces swelling; acts especially on LU |
| Properties | Acrid Cool |
| Tropism | LU, LI |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Clears Heat & Toxin, Reduces Swelling and Abscesses (Dysentery, stranguria, carbuncle, pulmonary abcess) 2) Drains Damp-Heat & Promotes Urination |
| Dosages | 15-30g; Not decocted for longer than 5 minutes |
| Contraindications (TCM) | |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Essential oil 0.022 to 0.025% (decanoylacetaldehyde, methyl nonyl ketone, laurinaldehyde, α-pinene, myrcene, limonene, linalool, citronellol, citral, 1,8-cineol, ocimene, carvacrol, thymol), flavonoids (quercetin, isoquercitrin, quercitrin, reynoutrin, hyperin, rutin, cordarine). Houttuynium is the synthetic sodium derivative of decanoylacetaldehyde |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Antibiotic: broad spectrum action to inhibit S. aureus, β-hemolytic streptococcus, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria catarrhalis, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Bacillus proteus, Bacillus dysenteriae, leptospi ra, dermatophytes and some influenza viruses • Immunostimulant: administration in rabbits associated with increase in phagocytic activities by white blood cells, and increase of serum properdin • Others: anti-inflammatory, diuretic, analgesic, antitussive, and hemostatic effects |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | |
| Classical Formula(s) |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.