Houttuyniae -- Famous Chinese herbal medicine

Basic introduction of Houttuyniae


Houttuyniae (in the term of TCM, Yu Xing Cao), also known as Zhe Er Gen, Cen Cao, Ji, purple Ji, etc. On the taxonomy, it belongs to saururaceae houttrynia cordata thumb. It has a dicotyledonous plant of fishy smell and slightly astringent taste. Produced in the province of south of the Yangtze River in China, it usually harvested in summer for its exuberant leaves and vigorous flowers.

Feature of Houttuyniae

With 30-50 centimeters in height, the upper part of stem erected in purple and red color, and the lower part prostrated with numerous whorl root. The leaf, thin as paper, round as cobble, has 4-10 centimeters in length and 2.5-6 centimeters in width. The flower, white as snow, has about 2 centimeters in length growing in the top of pedicel. The capsule, round as ball, the top part cracks with its 2-3 millimeter diameter.

Efficacy and function of Houttuyniae

Houttuyniae can extract a kind of yellow oil substance, which produces inhibitory effect on a variety of microorganisms, especially on yeasts and molds. Meanwhile, it also can resist bacterial invasion, like golden staphylococcus aureus, white staphylococcus aureus and bacillus dysenteriae.

In addition, it provides some benefits to diuretic system so as to expand capillaries and increase blood flow and urine secretion. Houttuyniae contains large amounts of potassium which has a diuretic effect.

The whole plant can be used as medicine for influenza virus and streptococcus pneumomiae. Except this, it has the function of clearing heat, alleviating pain, resisting cough, discharging pus and detoxification.

Sodium Houttuyfonate and Houttuynia decoction can obviously promote the phagocytosis of white blood cells and enhance the immune function of organism.

Houttuyniae can improve blood capillary brittleness, inhibit serous secretion, and promote regeneration. It is of great medical value to cure analgesia, hemostatic, whooping cough, bronchitis, otitis, mastitis, etc.