Herbal Information for Yu Xing Cao in Cut Form
Properties Of Yu Xing Cao - Fishy Smelling Herb
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Yu Xing Cao refers to the herb Houttuynia cordata, also known as heartleaf or fish mint. It has a long history of medicinal use in Asia, particularly in China and Japan. Here’s an overview of its properties and mechanisms:
Properties of Yu Xing Cao (Houttuynia cordata)
Taste and Nature: It is described as having a pungent taste and a cooling nature, making it associated with the Lung and Stomach meridians in TCM.
Traditional Uses: Yu Xing Cao is traditionally used to clear heat, resolve toxins, and promote urination. It is often employed to treat conditions such as infections, inflammation, and respiratory ailments.
Mechanisms in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Heat-clearing and Detoxification: Yu Xing Cao is believed to have strong heat-clearing properties, which help to reduce inflammation and fever. It is used in conditions where there is excessive heat in the body, such as in fevers and infections.
Antibacterial and Antiviral Effects: Research has shown that Yu Xing Cao contains compounds like flavonoids and alkaloids that possess antibacterial and antiviral properties. These substances inhibit the growth of pathogens and help in fighting infections.
Diuretic Action: It has a diuretic effect, promoting the excretion of toxins through increased urine output. This action is beneficial in conditions where there is dampness or fluid accumulation in the body.
Immunomodulatory Effects: Studies suggest that Yu Xing Cao may modulate the immune system, enhancing the body's defenses against infections and supporting overall immune function.
Yu Xing Cao and Lyme Disease
Yu Xing Cao, or Houttuynia cordata, has gained attention for its potential role in managing Lyme disease, primarily due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating properties. Here’s how Yu Xing Cao may work in the context of Lyme disease:
Antimicrobial Activity
Against Borrelia burgdorferi: Yu Xing Cao contains compounds like flavonoids and alkaloids that have shown antimicrobial effects against various bacteria, viruses, and parasites. While direct studies on its effectiveness against Borrelia burgdorferi (the bacterium causing Lyme disease) are limited, its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties suggest potential utility in combating Lyme bacteria.
Anti-inflammatory Effects
Reduction of Inflammation: Lyme disease often triggers significant inflammation in joints, tissues, and the nervous system. Yu Xing Cao’s anti-inflammatory properties may help alleviate these symptoms by reducing inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers.
Immunomodulatory Actions
Supporting the Immune System: Lyme disease can suppress the immune response, allowing the bacteria to persist. Yu Xing Cao may help modulate immune function, potentially enhancing the body’s ability to recognize and respond to Borrelia burgdorferi. This immune support could aid in both combating the infection and reducing symptom severity.
Product Description for Houttuynia Cordata Herb
Common Name: Fishy Smelling Herb
Botanical Name: Houttuynia Cordata herb
Channels/Meridians: Lung, Liver, Bladder, Large Intestine
Pin Yin Name: Yu Xing Cao
Other Names: Fish Herb, Fishwort, Doku-dami, Tsi, Chameleon, Rainbow Plant, Chameleon Plant, Lizard Tail
Other Ingredients: None, nothing has been added to this product.
Package Size: One Pound (1lb)
Form: Cut / Pieces
Origin: China
Brand: Nuherbs
Cautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Toxicity is mild. Vaginal applications have caused inflammation but symptoms subsided after stopping the applications.
Summary of Yu Xing Cao
- Clears Lung Heat
- Removes Toxicity
- Dissolves Phlegm
- Benefits Immune System
- The literal translation of Yu Xing Cao is "fishy-smelling herb". Fresh cut stems have a strong odor, but the smell disappears when dried. Houttuynia has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to clear heat and toxins.
Product Properties: Pungent, Cold
Naturally Occurring Herb Components
1. Decanoylacetaldehyde
2. Myrcene
3. α- Pinene
4. d-Limonene
5. 2-Methyheptenone
6. Camphene
7. Bornyl acetate
8. Linalool
9. Caryophyllene
Check out our How to Use Bulk Herbs page to see how to use herbs correctly. Our web page is constantly expanding, as of today we have articles on:
How to make salves, poultice, tinctures, teas, capsules, gargles, and foot bathes
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Nuherbs
Each batch of herbs is dual-lab tested by in-house lab and independent third party lab. In-house lab is equipped with instruments such as a high performance liquid chromatograph, moisture determination meter, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, atomic absorption spectrophotometer, gas chromatograph, etc.
In addition, the following additional tests are performed:
- Microbacteria
- Pesticides - over 200 pesticides tested for (Uab 2000 screen)
Heavy Metals - Lead, Mercury and Arsenic
References:
https://www.americandragon.com/Individualherbsupdate/YuXingCao.html
https://tcmwiki.com/wiki/yu-xing-cao
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0944711322004329
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35932606/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7102745/
https://scholars.hkbu.edu.hk/en/projects/the-anti-asthmatic-effects-of-houttuynia-cordata-yu-xing-cao-esse
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357070937_A_scientific_evaluation_of_Traditional_Chinese_Medicine_TCM_Houttuynia_cordata_Thunb_Yu_xing_cao_a_case_study
1 Review
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High Quality Product
I am very happy with this product. This herb is often hard to find and hard to find at a reasonable price. Very pleased with this purchase and will be back again.
