Houttuynia cordata is a "harmful grass"?What happens if you eat Houttuynia cordata often?The doctor will tell you the answer
In the vast world of Chinese herbal medicine, Houttuynia cordata is a controversial existence. Some people regard it as a good medicine to clear away heat and detoxify, while others call it "harmful grass". So, what exactly is Houttuynia cordata?What happens if you eat Houttuynia cordata often?Today, let's unveil the mystery of Houttuynia cordata together and listen to what the doctor has to say.
First, the basic understanding of Houttuynia cordata
Houttuynia cordata, also known as folded ear root, dog's heart grass, etc., is a perennial herbaceous plant, widely distributed in southern China. It is named for its distinctive fishy smell and is a commonly used herb in the field of traditional Chinese medicine. Houttuynia cordata has a pungent and cold taste, and has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, draining pus and eliminating carbuncles, diuretic and drenching. In folklore, Houttuynia cordata is often used for pneumonia, lung abscess, cough, urinary tract infection and other diseases.
2. The chemical composition and pharmacological effects of Houttuynia cordata
Chemical composition: Houttuynia cordata is rich in volatile oils, the main components of which are decanoacetaldehyde (i.e., houttuynin), lauralaldehyde, etc. In addition, it contains a variety of ingredients such as flavonoids, organic acids, vitamins, etc.
pharmachologic effect
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory: Houttuynin has inhibitory effect on a variety of bacteria and viruses, such as influenza virus, pneumococcus, etc.
Diuretic drenching: Houttuynia cordata can increase blood flow to the kidneys, promote urine production and excretion, and help relieve symptoms of urinary tract infections.
Boosts immunity: The flavonoids in Houttuynia cordata have antioxidant, anti-tumor and other effects, and can enhance human immunity.
3. The benefits of eating Houttuynia cordata often
Clears away heat and detoxifies, relieves inflammation: For inflammatory diseases such as colds, coughs, and pneumonia, Houttuynia cordata has a certain auxiliary effect. It clears away heat and detoxifies and relieves discomfort caused by inflammation.
Diuretic and drenching, improve urinary tract symptoms: Houttuynia cordata helps to improve symptoms such as urinary frequency, urgency, and painful urination caused by urinary tract infections, and also has a certain preventive effect on urinary tract stones.
Strengthens immunity and prevents disease: Moderate consumption of Houttuynia cordata can enhance human immunity, improve resistance, and prevent the occurrence of diseases.
Fourth, the edible method and precautions of Houttuynia cordata
How to eat
Cold salad with Houttuynia cordata: Wash and cut Houttuynia cordata into sections, add minced garlic, light soy sauce, vinegar and other seasonings and mix well.
Houttuynia cordata stir-fried meat: Houttuynia cordata is stir-fried with pork, chicken, etc., which is delicious and nutritious.
Houttuynia cordata boiled water: Boil Houttuynia cordata with water and drink, it can clear away heat and detoxify, diuretic and drench.
Precautions
Consume in moderation: Houttuynia cordata has a pungent and cold taste, and excessive consumption may lead to spleen and stomach deficiency, diarrhea and other discomforts. It is recommended to keep the amount of each serving within 10-30 grams.
Use with caution in pregnant women: Pregnant women have special constitutions, please consult a doctor before eating Houttuynia cordata.
People with allergies should use with caution: People who are allergic to Houttuynia cordata may have allergic reactions such as rash and itching after consumption, so they should stop eating it immediately and seek medical attention.
5. Rumors about "Houttuynia cordata is a harmful grass".
Rumors about Houttuynia cordata as a "harmful grass" stem mainly from its potential for kidney toxicity and aristolochic acid problems. However, scientific research and clinical practice have confirmed that these concerns are not well founded.
Nephrotoxicity issues: There is an opinion that Houttuynia cordata may cause damage to the kidneys. But in fact, the chemical components in Houttuynia cordata are safe to use in normal doses. Adverse effects on the kidneys are possible only if they are ingested in large quantities over a long period of time or if they are used inappropriately. Therefore, moderate consumption of Houttuynia cordata does not cause nephrotoxicity problems.
Aristolochic acid problem: Aristolochic acid is a nephrotoxic compound found in some Aristolochiaceae plants. However, Houttuynia cordata does not belong to the Aristolochiaceae family and does not contain aristolochic acid. Therefore, there is no scientific basis for linking Houttuynia cordata to aristolochic acid.
VI. Conclusion
To sum up, Houttuynia cordata is not a "harmful grass", but a Chinese herbal medicine with the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, diuretic and drenching. Moderate consumption of Houttuynia cordata is beneficial and harmless to the body, but it is necessary to pay attention to the principle of moderation and individual differences. It is advisable to consult a medical professional or pharmacist before consuming Houttuynia cordata to ensure the safe and effective use of this natural resource. At the same time, we must also maintain a scientific and rational attitude, not blindly believe rumors and prejudices, so that Chinese herbal medicine can play a greater role in safeguarding human health.