Saururaceae
Houttuynia
Houttuynia cordata
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Southeast and East Asia
Also known as: Fish Mint, Fish Herb, Vap Ca, Dokudami
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Aerial parts
Therapeutic Uses
Respiratory infections, UTIs, skin infections. Used in Chinese hospitals during SARS/COVID epidemic. Traditional Vietnamese and Japanese food herb.
Herbal Actions
Antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, immunostimulant
Active Constituents
Decanoyl acetaldehyde (volatile antiviral — degrades on drying), alkaloids (cepharanthine), quercetin, rutin, flavonoids, polysaccharides
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture☕ Herbal TeaFood
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 2 tsp fresh herb, cold infusion 10 min — FRESH only (volatile compound) |
| Tincture | 3–5 ml (1:3, 25% ethanol, FRESH plant), 3x daily |
| Notes | FRESH PLANT only for antiviral activity — compound degrades on drying. Pungent fishy smell. Popular SE Asian culinary herb. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Avoid high doses in pregnancy. No significant drug interactions.
Side Effects: Strong smell. GI upset (high doses). Generally well tolerated.