Houttuynia

BotanicalBest with a meal

What is it

Houttuynia cordata (yu xing cao in Chinese, dokudami in Japanese) is a leafy herb in the Saururaceae family used in East Asian traditional medicine for respiratory complaints, infections, and as an antiviral/antimicrobial.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Respiratory infections (traditional)

Mixed Evidence

Long traditional use for pneumonia and bronchitis; limited modern controlled evidence.

Antiviral activity

Mixed Evidence

Preclinical antiviral activity demonstrated; rigorous clinical evidence for specific viral infections is limited.

How it works

Houttuynia contains essential oils (decanoyl acetaldehyde, lauryl aldehyde), flavonoids (quercitrin, hyperin, rutin), and alkaloids. Preclinical studies report antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Traditional uses include pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, urinary tract infections, and skin conditions. Houttuynia was widely used in China during the SARS outbreak; an aqueous extract was approved for adjunctive use. Clinical evidence remains modest and largely from Chinese and Korean studies. A Houttuynia injection (zhusheye) caused serious adverse reactions in China and was suspended for human injection in 2006. Oral and topical preparations have a better safety profile.

Dosage

Traditional TCM: 15 to 30 grams of fresh herb or 6 to 15 grams of dried herb as decoction. Standardized extracts vary; supplement doses typically 300 to 1,500 mg per day.

When and how to take it

Traditional preparations taken with or between meals in divided doses. Modern supplements: typically with food, 2 to 3 times daily.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Houttuynia dried herb (decoction)

Used in TCM and Japanese folk medicine.

Traditional preparation.

Houttuynia extract

Modern supplement format.

Concentrated active compounds.

Safety

Oral use is generally well tolerated. Side effects are uncommon and may include mild GI upset. The fresh herb has a distinctive fishy odor. Past injectable use was associated with serious allergic reactions; oral safety is much better.

Who should be cautious

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid due to insufficient safety data. People on immunosuppressants or bleeding disorders should consult a clinician. History of allergic reaction: avoid.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications based on preclinical antiplatelet activity. Possible additive immunomodulatory effects with immune-affecting drugs.

Food sources

Fresh houttuynia leaves (Vietnamese/Chinese cuisine)

Amount
1/4 cup
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is houttuynia safe for daily use?⌄

Oral preparations at traditional doses are generally well tolerated for short-term use. Long-term daily use lacks systematic safety data.

Why does houttuynia smell fishy?⌄

The plant contains decanoyl acetaldehyde and related compounds that produce a distinctive aldehyde odor reminiscent of fish.

References

Houttuynia on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Houttuynia on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Houttuynia (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.