Immune Terrain

Houttuynia: Benefits, Dosage & What the Science Says

Houttuynia cordata (Yu Xing Cao -- Fish Mint) is a pungent TCM herb primarily used to clear Lung heat and resolve toxicity. In Lyme-literate practice, Houttuynia is valued for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antiviral properties, particularly for Bartonella and viral co-infection terrain -- conditions that frequently accompany tick-borne illness.

Last reviewed: Emerging evidence Houttuynia cordata Thunb.

What Is Houttuynia?

Fish mint -- a broad-spectrum TCM antimicrobial for viral and bacterial co-infection terrain

Evidence-Based Benefits

  • Broad-spectrum antimicrobial including Bartonella terrain support
  • Antiviral activity across multiple viral families
  • Lung heat and inflammatory respiratory support

Recommended Dosage

1--3 mL tincture 3x daily, or 500--1000 mg dried herb extract. Often combined with other Lyme protocol herbs rather than used alone. Fresh plant preparations are preferred in some protocols.

Safety, Side Effects & Interactions

Generally well tolerated; the characteristic fishy odor from decanoyl acetaldehyde is the primary complaint; avoid high-dose long-term use without supervision; caution in pregnancy; limited drug interaction data.

Works Well With

Research suggests Houttuynia may complement:

Traditional Use

Traditional Chinese Medicine
鱼腥草 Yu Xing Cao
clears heat and resolves toxicity dispels Lung abscess and expels pus reduces swelling promotes urination

View herb profile on NaturalHerbLibrary.com →

References

  1. Houttuynia cordata antimicrobial and antiviral properties: review - PMID:22481000
  2. Quercetin and quercitrin from Houttuynia and antiviral mechanisms - PMID:21999695
  3. Houttuynin (decanoyl acetaldehyde) antimicrobial activity - PMID:16554165
  4. Houttuynia cordata anti-inflammatory mechanisms - PMID:26498785

Last reviewed: June 6, 2026. For informational purposes only. See full disclaimer. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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