It has the functions of clearing heat and detoxifying, eliminating abscesses and discharging pus
Mechanism of action: According to traditional Chinese medicine, Houttuynia cordata is slightly cold in nature and bitter in taste, and it belongs to the lung meridian. It can clear lung fire, detoxify and disperse nodules, and is particularly good at treating sores, abscesses and swellings caused by heat and toxin accumulation.
Classic applications:
Lung abscess (pneumonia, lung abscess) : When combined with Platycodon grandiflorum, reed root, etc., it is used to treat cough, chest pain, and expectoration of purulent sputum, such as the Reed Stem Decoction in "Thousand Gold Prescriptions".
Abscesses, sores, swellings and toxins: Externally applied by crushing and applying or decocted water for external washing, it is used to treat furuncles, eczema, erysipelas, etc.
2. Diuretic and analgesic
Function: It can clear heat, promote diuresis, relieve dysuria and pain. It is used for frequent urination, urgent urination and painful urination (such as urinary tract infection) caused by damp-heat descending. It is often combined with Plantago asiatica and white reed root, etc.
Function
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, broad-spectrum bacteriostatic
Antibacterial mechanism:
Volatile oil components (such as houttuynia cordata) have inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae, etc.
Inhibit the formation of bacterial biofilms and enhance antibiotic sensitivity (especially with potential synergistic effects on drug-resistant bacteria).
Clinical application:
Respiratory tract infections: Adjuvant treatment for acute and chronic bronchitis, tonsillitis and sinusitis (such as making injection solutions or oral liquids).
Gynecological inflammation: It is used for cervicitis and vaginitis (external rinse or suppository), to relieve abnormal leucorrhea caused by damp-heat descending.
2. Antiviral and immune regulation
Antiviral effect:
It has an inhibitory effect on the replication of influenza virus, herpes simplex virus (HSV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), etc.
It was studied as an adjunctive drug during the SARS period. In recent years, it has shown in studies related to COVID-19 that it may function by regulating inflammatory factors.
Immune regulation
It promotes the phagocytic function of macrophages, enhances humoral immunity and cellular immunity, and is suitable for people with low immunity.
3. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
Anti-inflammatory mechanism:
Inhibit the release of inflammatory factors (such as IL-6, TNF-α) and alleviate the inflammatory response in tissues such as the lungs and intestines.
It is used for the auxiliary conditioning of chronic inflammatory diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and allergic rhinitis.
Antioxidant effect:
Flavonoids (such as quercetin) eliminate free radicals, reduce oxidative damage, and may delay cellular senescence.
4. Anti-tumor and anti-cancer auxiliary effects
Research evidence:
In vitro experiments have shown that the extract of Houttuynia cordata can induce apoptosis of tumor cells such as lung cancer and liver cancer and inhibit their proliferation.
Combination with chemotherapy drugs may enhance the therapeutic effect and alleviate immunosuppression caused by chemotherapy (further clinical verification is required).
Note: Currently, it is only for laboratory research and cannot replace formal cancer treatment.
5. Other functions
Relieving cough and wheezing: Alleviating cough and wheezing caused by respiratory tract inflammation (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD).
Protecting the liver and promoting bile secretion: It promotes bile secretion and has a certain protective effect on liver damage (such as alcoholic liver injury).
Application field
1. The field of medicine
Chinese patent medicines: such as Compound Houttuynia Cordata Mixture (for sore throat), Houttuynia Cordata Injection (once used for respiratory tract infections, attention should be paid to the risk of allergy).
Clinical preparations: Developed as nebulized inhalants, topical lotions or suppositories for local inflammation treatment.
2. Food and health products
Functional foods
Herbal teas (such as Houttuynia cordata tea) and health drinks are mainly known for their "heat-clearing and detoxifying" effects.
Pickled products or seasonings (traditionally consumed in some areas, such as cold mixed Houttuynia cordata).
Health supplements: Made into capsules or tablets, they are used to enhance immunity and assist in regulating chronic inflammation.
3. Cosmetics and daily chemicals
Skin care products:
Acne treatment products: Utilizing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, they improve acne caused by Propionibacterium acnes.
Soothing mask/essence: Relieves redness and inflammation of sensitive skin, such as as an auxiliary care for rosacea.
Personal care products: Shampoo (inhibits scalp inflammation and improves dandruff), body wash (cleanses and antibacterial).
4. Agriculture and Veterinary Drugs
As a plant-based pesticide, it is used for the prevention and control of diseases and pests in fruits and vegetables (replacing some chemical pesticides).
It is used in veterinary drugs for the prevention and treatment of respiratory tract infections and intestinal inflammation in livestock and poultry.
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