Herbs and plantsHouttuynia — an Asian fish herb for infections and allergies?
Sources: 7 · Article: 15 705 characters
Henryk Różański describes Houttuynia as an edible plant and seasoning, as well as an herb used in folk medicine.
- In traditional use, it was used for wounds, ulcers, swelling, indigestion, and abdominal pain, among other things.
- Infectious conditions, diseases of the urinary and respiratory systems, and detoxification treatments were also mentioned.
- The distillate and tincture were described as repellents for ticks, mosquitoes, and other animals.
- Henryk Różański also states that the plant has antiviral effects and may be useful in treating SARS.
What the authors write
Henryk Różański
Young leaves, flowers, fruits, and rhizomes of Houttuynia are eaten; the plant is also used as a seasoning.
„In Asian countries, young plants are eaten as a vegetable. Spring leaves are eaten raw or cooked. Heart-leaved Houttuynia is a seasoning plant, and its taste and smell depend largely on the soil and sunlight. The Houttuynia I grow in Krosno has a coriander-citrus smell and taste, slightly astringent, with a note of ginger, and is quite intense.”W krajach azjatyckich młode rośliny są spożywane jako warzywo. Wiosenne liście zjadane są na surowo lub po ugotowaniu. Pstrolistka sercowata to roślina przyprawowa, przy czym jej smak i zapach zależą w dużej mierze od gleby i nasłonecznienia. W Krośnie uprawiana przeze mnie pstrolistka ma zapach i smak kolendrowo-cytrusowy, lekko ściągający, z nutą imbiru, dość intensywny.
Henryk Różański
Salads with rhizomes and young leaves, as well as flower infusions, are mentioned as ways to consume it; the infusion is said to be refreshing and strengthening.
„Salads with rhizomes and young leaves, as well as infusions made from dried and fresh flowers, taste excellent. Houttuynia flower infusion is refreshing and strengthening.
Heart-leaved Houttuynia, Krosno, July 2021.
In the folk medicine of Asian countries, Houttuynia is an herb that stimulates menstruation, cleanses wounds and skin ulcers, reduces swelling, and promotes bone healing.”Świetnie smakują sałatki z kłączami, młodymi liśćmi oraz napary z kwiatów suszonych i świeżych. Napar z kwiatów pstrolistki działa orzeźwiająco i wzmacniająco.
Pstrolistka sercowata, Krosno, lipiec 2021 r.
W medycynie ludowej krajów azjatyckich pstrolistka jest ziołem pobudzającym miesiączkowanie, oczyszczającym rany oraz wrzody skórne, przeciwobrzękowym, pobudzającym zrastanie kości.
Henryk Różański
In folk medicine, Houttuynia was used for wounds and ulcers, swelling, and to stimulate menstruation and bone healing.
„In the folk medicine of Asian countries, Houttuynia is an herb that stimulates menstruation, cleanses wounds and skin ulcers, reduces swelling, and promotes bone healing. It cleans pus from wounds and abscesses. A paste made from the plant was applied to affected areas (ulcers, wounds, abscesses, boils).”W medycynie ludowej krajów azjatyckich pstrolistka jest ziołem pobudzającym miesiączkowanie, oczyszczającym rany oraz wrzody skórne, przeciwobrzękowym, pobudzającym zrastanie kości. Rany i ropnie oczyszcza z ropy. Pasta z rośliny była przykładana na schorzałe miejsca (owrzodzenia, ranny, ropnie, czyraki).
Henryk Różański
Paste and pulp made from the plant were used for skin conditions, heart disease, and indigestion, and after bites and stings.
„A paste made from the plant was applied to affected areas (ulcers, wounds, abscesses, boils). Raw Houttuynia herb pulp was taken by mouth for heart disease and indigestion. A boiled paste made from the whole plant (rhizomes and herb) was also used in similar situations, both externally and internally.”Pasta z rośliny była przykładana na schorzałe miejsca (owrzodzenia, ranny, ropnie, czyraki). Pulpa z ziela pstrolistka na surowo podawana była doustnie przy chorobach serca i niestrawności. Również zagotowana pasta z całej rośliny (kłącza, ziele) była używana w podobnych sytuacjach zewnętrznie i wewnętrznie.
Henryk Różański
Raw leaves were described as detoxifying and used for viral, bacterial, and sexually transmitted diseases.
„Raw Houttuynia leaves have a detoxifying effect (depurativum—a blood-purifying remedy); they were also given for viral and bacterial diseases, including sexually transmitted diseases.
The plant’s juice treats abdominal pain, indigestion, and inflammation of the stomach and intestines.”Liście pstrolistki spożywane na surowo działają odtruwająco (depurativum – środek czyszczący krew), podawana je także przy chorobach wirusowych, bakteryjnych, w tym wenerycznych.
Sok z rośliny leczy bóle brzucha, niestrawność, nieżyty żołądka i jelit.
Henryk Różański
The plant’s juice was used for abdominal pain, indigestion, and inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
„The plant’s juice treats abdominal pain, indigestion, and inflammation of the stomach and intestines. The fresh plant was recommended for cholera, dysentery, and measles. In veterinary medicine, it was used as an antiparasitic.
Distillate and tincture made from fresh Houttuynia repel ticks, harvest mites, mosquitoes, cats, dogs, martens, weasels, and other animals because they contain methyl nonyl ketone.”Sok z rośliny leczy bóle brzucha, niestrawność, nieżyty żołądka i jelit. Świeża roślina była zalecana przy cholerze, czerwonce, odrze. W medycynie weterynaryjnej jako środek przeciwpasożytniczy.
Destylat i nalewka ze świeżej pstrolistki odstrasza kleszcze, strzyżaki, komary, koty, psy, kuny, łasice i inne zwierzęta, ze względu na zawartość ketonu metylowo-nonylowego.
Henryk Różański
The fresh plant was recommended for cholera, dysentery, and measles, and was used in veterinary medicine against parasites.
„The fresh plant was recommended for cholera, dysentery, and measles. In veterinary medicine, it was used as an antiparasitic.
Distillate and tincture made from fresh Houttuynia repel ticks, harvest mites, mosquitoes, cats, dogs, martens, weasels, and other animals because they contain methyl nonyl ketone.”Świeża roślina była zalecana przy cholerze, czerwonce, odrze. W medycynie weterynaryjnej jako środek przeciwpasożytniczy.
Destylat i nalewka ze świeżej pstrolistki odstrasza kleszcze, strzyżaki, komary, koty, psy, kuny, łasice i inne zwierzęta, ze względu na zawartość ketonu metylowo-nonylowego.
Henryk Różański
Distillate and tincture made from fresh Houttuynia were described as repellents for ticks, mosquitoes, and other animals.
„Distillate and tincture made from fresh Houttuynia repel ticks, harvest mites, mosquitoes, cats, dogs, martens, weasels, and other animals because they contain methyl nonyl ketone.
Houttuynia has immunomodulatory and antiviral effects. It has pharmacological potential that could be used in the treatment of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by coronaviruses).”Destylat i nalewka ze świeżej pstrolistki odstrasza kleszcze, strzyżaki, komary, koty, psy, kuny, łasice i inne zwierzęta, ze względu na zawartość ketonu metylowo-nonylowego.
Pstrolistka posiada działanie immunomodulujące i przeciwwirusowe. Posiada potencjał farmakologiczny, który może być wykorzystany w leczeniu SARS (Ciężkiego zespołu ostrej niewydolności oddechowej wywołanego przez koronawirusy).
Henryk Różański
Houttuynia is said to have immunomodulatory and antiviral effects, and to have potential use in treating SARS.
„Distillate and tincture made from fresh Houttuynia repel ticks, harvest mites, mosquitoes, cats, dogs, martens, weasels, and other animals because they contain methyl nonyl ketone.
Houttuynia has immunomodulatory and antiviral effects. It has pharmacological potential that could be used in the treatment of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by coronaviruses).”Destylat i nalewka ze świeżej pstrolistki odstrasza kleszcze, strzyżaki, komary, koty, psy, kuny, łasice i inne zwierzęta, ze względu na zawartość ketonu metylowo-nonylowego.
Pstrolistka posiada działanie immunomodulujące i przeciwwirusowe. Posiada potencjał farmakologiczny, który może być wykorzystany w leczeniu SARS (Ciężkiego zespołu ostrej niewydolności oddechowej wywołanego przez koronawirusy).
Henryk Różański
Folk medicine attributed effects on wounds, ulcers, abscesses, and boils to Houttuynia, as well as benefits for indigestion, heart disease, and the effects of bites.
„A paste made from the plant was used as a poultice on affected areas (ulcers, wounds, abscesses, boils). Raw Houttuynia herb pulp was taken by mouth for heart disease and indigestion. A boiled paste made from the whole plant (rhizomes and herb) was used in a similar way.”Pasta z rośliny była stosowana jako okład na schorzałe miejsca (owrzodzenia, rany, ropnie, czyraki). Pulpa z ziela pstrolistki na surowo podawana była natomiast doustnie przy chorobach serca i niestrawności. Podobnie stosowana była zagotowana pasta z całej rośliny (kłącza, ziele).
Henryk Różański
The listed uses of Houttuynia include infectious diseases, gastrointestinal complaints, infections of the skin and urinary, respiratory, and digestive systems, wounds, and ulcers.
„Uses: infectious diseases, gastrointestinal complaints, infections of the skin and urinary, respiratory, and digestive systems, wounds, and ulcers. For detoxification treatments. As a repellent.
Preparations and dosage: infusions made from dry or fresh parts of the plant, 1–2%, 120 ml up to 3 times a day; more often for inflammation of the urinary and respiratory systems.”Zastosowanie: choroby zakaźne, dolegliwości żołądkowo-jelitowe, infekcje skóry, układu moczowego, oddechowego i pokarmowego, rany, owrzodzenia. Do kuracji odtruwających. Jako repelent.
Preparaty i dawkowanie: napary z suchych lub świeżych części rośliny, 1-2%, 120 ml nawet 3 razy dziennie, w nieżytach układu moczowego i oddechowego częściej.
Henryk Różański
The infusion was described for drinking, gargling, poultices, and washing; fresh pulp was also used by mouth or on dressings.
„The infusion can also be used for gargling, poultices, and washing.
Tincture (including freshtinktur, Tinktura Houttuyniae), 1:5–10 in 70% ethanol, 20–30 drops 1–3 times a day in a tablespoon of water. Fresh plant pulp by mouth, 1–2 teaspoons 1–3 times a day. It can also be used for poultices/dressings.”Napar również do płukanek, okładów i przemywania.
Nalewka (w tym freshtinktur, Tinktura Houttuyniae) 1:5-10 na etanolu 70%, 20-30 kropli 1-3 razy dziennie w łyżce wody. Pulpa z rośliny świeża doustnie 1-2 łyżeczki 1-3 razy dziennie. Ponadto do okładów/opatrunków.
Henryk Różański
Houttuynia is used as a seasoning for fish, meat, sauces, and soups.
„It can also be used for poultices/dressings.
In my experience, a dose of 30–50 g of the fresh plant is safe and can be eaten in salads. It is also used as a seasoning for fish, meat, sauces, and soups.
A number of medicines and supplements made from Houttuynia have been developed in the form of drops, capsules, and tablets.”Ponadto do okładów/opatrunków.
Wg moich doświadczeń w dawce 30-50 g roślina świeża jest bezpieczna i można ją spożywać w sałatkach. Ponadto jako przyprawa do ryb, mięs, sosów i zup.
Opracowano szereg leków i suplementów z pstrolistki w postaci kropli, kapsułek i tabletek.
Henryk Różański
Studies in mice showed an increase in the number of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and in the secretion of IL-2 and IL-10.
„Studies in mice showed that it increases the number of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and increases the secretion of IL-2 and IL-10 (interleukins) (see the paper “Immunomodulatory and anti-SARS activities of Houttuynia cordata,” by Kit-Man Lau, Kin-Ming Lee, Chi-Man Koon, Crystal Sao-Fong Cheung, Ching-Po Lau, Hei-Ming Ho, Mavis Yuk-Ha Lee, Shannon Wing-Ngor Au, Christopher Hon-Ki Cheng, Clara Bik-San Lau, Stephen Kwok-Wing Tsui, David Chi-Cheong Wan, Mary Miu-Yee Waye, Kam-Bo Wong, Chun-Kwok Wong, Christopher Wai-Kei Lam, Ping-Chung Leung, Kwok-Pui Fung, J Ethnopharmacol.”W badaniach na myszach wykazano, że zwiększa liczbę limfocytów T CD4 + i CD8 + i powoduje wzrost wydzielania IL-2 i IL-10 (interleukin) (patrz praca Immunomodulatory and anti-SARS activities of Houttuynia cordata Kit-Man Lau, Kin-Ming Lee, Chi-Man Koon, Crystal Sao-Fong Cheung, Ching-Po Lau, Hei-Ming Ho, Mavis Yuk-Ha Lee, Shannon Wing-Ngor Au, Christopher Hon-Ki Cheng, Clara Bik-San Lau, Stephen Kwok-Wing Tsui, David Chi-Cheong Wan, Mary Miu-Yee Waye, Kam-Bo Wong, Chun-Kwok Wong, Christopher Wai-Kei Lam, Ping-Chung Leung, Kwok-Pui Fung J Ethnopharmacol.
Henryk Różański
Houttuynia essential oil inhibits the growth of the two bacteria mentioned.
„Capric acid, methyl laurate, methyl hexadecanoate, undecanoic acid, methyl oleate, and methyl linoleate. Beta-ketoaldehyde and 3-oxododecanal were found in the rhizomes. The whole plant is therefore rich in phytoncides with antibiotic effects.
The essential oil inhibits the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Sarcina ureae.”kwas kaprynowy, laurynian metylu, heksadekanian metylu, kwas undekanowy, oleinian metylu, linoleinian metylu. W kłączach stwierdzono obecność beta-ketoaldehydu i 3-oksododekanalu. Cała roślina obfituje więc w fitoncydy o działaniu antybiotycznym.
Olejek eteryczny hamuje rozwój Staphylococcus aureus i Sarcina ureae.
Henryk Różański
Houttuynia is said to stimulate menstruation and have antiviral and immunomodulatory effects, with possible use in treating SARS.
„Distillate and tincture made from fresh Houttuynia repel ticks, harvest mites, mosquitoes, cats, dogs, martens, weasels, and other animals because they contain methyl nonyl ketone.
Houttuynia has immunomodulatory and antiviral effects. It has pharmacological potential that could be used in the treatment of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by coronaviruses).”Destylat i nalewka ze świeżej pstrolistki odstrasza: kleszcze, strzyżaki, komary, koty, psy, kuny, łasice i inne zwierzęta, a to ze względu na zawartość ketonu metylowo-nonylowego.
Pstrolistka ma działanie immunomodulujące i przeciwwirusowe. Ma potencjał farmakologiczny, który może być wykorzystany w leczeniu SARS (ciężkiego zespołu ostrej niewydolności oddechowej wywołanego przez koronawirusy).
Henryk Różański
The whole plant is said to contain phytoncides with antibiotic effects.
„The raw material contains flavonoids (quercetin, quercitrin 0.5 percent, hyperin, afzelin, rutin), caffeoylquinic acids, ellagic acid, caffeic acid, gallic acid, fatty acid esters, and fatty acids, such as capric acid, methyl laurate, methyl hexadecanoate, undecanoic acid, methyl oleate, and methyl linoleate. Beta-ketoaldehyde and 3-oxododecanal were found in the rhizomes. The whole plant is therefore rich in phytoncides with antibiotic effects.”W surowcu zawarte są flawonoidy (kwercetyna, kwercytryna 0,5 proc., hiperyna, afzelina, rutyna), kwasy kawoilochinowe, kwas elagowy, kawowy, galusowy, estry kwasów tłuszczowych i kwasy tłuszczowe, np.: kwas kaprynowy, laurynian metylu, heksadekanian metylu, kwas undekanowy, oleinian metylu, linoleinian metylu. W kłączach stwierdzono obecność beta-ketoaldehydu i 3-oksododekanalu. Cała roślina obfituje więc w fitoncydy o działaniu antybiotycznym.
Research from PubMed · Europe PMC
We selected 2 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.
Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 6.
The review describes traditional and researched uses of Houttuynia, including anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial effects, and use for chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps.
Aim of the study: The present review is an attempt to provide insight into the medicinal plant Houttuynia cordata Thunb, which is native to North-East India and China. It is an aromatic medicinal herb belonging to the family Saururaceae and is restricted to specialized moist habitats.
Results: cordata. The review describes the therapeutic efficacy of the whole plant and its extracts, fractions, and isolated compounds in different disease conditions. Important reported pharmacological activities include antimutagenic, anticancer, adjuvant, anti-obesity, hepatoprotective, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, free-radical-scavenging, antimicrobial, antiallergic, antileukemic, chronic sinusitis, and nasal-polyp effects. Thus, this review will serve as a source of reference information for researchers conducting clinical studies on isolated compounds that may benefit society and help improve human health care.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studydiscussion of other studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
The review indicates that Houttuynia has various anti-inflammatory effects and could be studied as a potential remedy for rheumatoid arthritis.
Aim of the study: The aim of this review was to examine the anti-inflammatory functions of Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (HCT) described in the literature and explore new areas in which HCT could be used in the future.
Results: The basic pathological change in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is synovial proliferation, which leads to joint destruction over the long term. Several types of drugs are used clinically for patients with RA, but their widespread use is limited by side effects or high prices. There is an urgent need to develop a safe, low-cost drug for clinical use in patients with RA. Thus, HCT has the potential to be a good candidate for treating rheumatoid arthritis.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studydiscussion of other studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Perspectives and opinion materials
The content below presents the authors’ opinions, interpretations and hypotheses. It is not treated as equal to scientific studies and systematic reviews.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Cheng RZ (2024) Integrative Orthomolecular Medicine Protocol for ASCVD. Polacow VO, Lancha Junior AH (2007) [High-carbohydrate diets: effects on lipid metabolism, body adiposity and its association with physical activity and cardiovascular disease risk.] Arq Bras Endocrinol Metabol. 51:389-400. Shin W-K, Shin S, Lee J-k, et al. (2024) Carbohydrate Intake and Hyperlipidemia among Population with High-Carbohydrate Diets: The Health Examinees Gem Study. Mol Nutr Food Res. Jackson RL, Yates MT, McNerney CA, Kashyap ML (1987) Diet and HDL Metabolism: High Carbohydrate vs. High Fat Diets. In: Malmendier CL, Alaupovic P, editors.”Cheng RZ (2024) Integrative Orthomolecular Medicine Protocol for ASCVD. Polacow VO, Lancha Junior AH (2007) [High-carbohydrate diets: effects on lipid metabolism, body adiposity and its association with physical activity and cardiovascular disease risk.] Arq Bras Endocrinol Metabol. 51:389-400. Shin W-K, Shin S, Lee J-k, et al. (2024) Carbohydrate Intake and Hyperlipidemia among Population with High-Carbohydrate Diets: The Health Examinees Gem Study. Mol Nutr Food Res. Jackson RL, Yates MT, McNerney CA, Kashyap ML (1987) Diet and HDL Metabolism: High Carbohydrate vs. High Fat Diets. In: Malmendier CL, Alaupovic P, editors.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Medicine in Drug Discovery. 2020 Mar 1;5:100028. 8. Brugliera L, Spina A, Castellazzi P, Cimino P, Arcuri P, Negro A, et al. Nutritional management of COVID-19 patients in a rehabilitation unit. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2020 June;74(6):860-3. 9. Mitchell F. Vitamin-D and COVID-19: do deficient risk a poorer outcome? Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2020 July;8(7):570. 10. Fernández-Quintela A, Milton-Laskibar I, Trepiana J, Gómez-Zorita S, Kajarabille N, Léniz A, et al. Key Aspects in Nutritional Management of COVID-19 Patients. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2020 Aug;9(8):2589. 11.”Medicine in Drug Discovery. 2020 Mar 1;5:100028. 8. Brugliera L, Spina A, Castellazzi P, Cimino P, Arcuri P, Negro A, et al. Nutritional management of COVID-19 patients in a rehabilitation unit. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2020 June;74(6):860-3. 9. Mitchell F. Vitamin-D and COVID-19: do deficient risk a poorer outcome? Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2020 July;8(7):570. 10. Fernández-Quintela A, Milton-Laskibar I, Trepiana J, Gómez-Zorita S, Kajarabille N, Léniz A, et al. Key Aspects in Nutritional Management of COVID-19 Patients. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2020 Aug;9(8):2589. 11.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„“Niacin drug causes serious side effects, study says” - Boston Globe, 7/16/14 “Niacin safety, effectiveness questioned in new heart study” - Healthday News, 7/17/14 “Doctors say cholesterol drug risky to take” - Times Daily, 7/16/14 “Niacin risks may present health risks claim scientists” - Viral Global News, 7/17/14 “Studies reveal new niacin risks” - Drug Discovery and Development, 7/17/14 “No love for niacin” - Medpage Today, 7/17/14 “Niacin could be more harmful than helpful” - Telemanagement, 7/18/14 The truth of the matter is that the study quoted and used laropiprant (trade names: Cordaptive and Tredaptive).”"Niacin drug causes serious side effects, study says" - Boston Globe, 7/16/14 "Niacin safety, effectiveness questioned in new heart study" - Healthday News, 7/17/14 "Doctors say cholesterol drug risky to take" - Times Daily, 7/16/14 "Niacin risks may present health risks claim scientists" - Viral Global News, 7/17/14 "Studies reveal new niacin risks" - Drug Discovery and Development, 7/17/14 "No love for niacin" - Medpage Today, 7/17/14 "Niacin could be more harmful than helpful" - Telemanagement, 7/18/14 The truth of the matter is that the study quoted and used laropiprant (trade names: Cordaptive and Tredaptive).
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