Yu Xing Cao (Houttuynia cordata) | Bulk Herb Guide, Uses, Brewing & Quality
Yu Xing Cao is one of those herbs people hear about and immediately ask two questions: “What does it actually do?” and “How do I use it correctly?” This page answers both—clearly, responsibly, and without fluff—so you can choose the right form (cut herb, powder, or tea), prepare it properly, and understand what makes a high-quality batch worth buying.
Updated: | Reviewed by: 1st Chinese Herbs Team | Quality focus: Clean sourcing, storage guidance, and preparation accuracy.
Quick Summary (for fast shoppers)
- Traditional role: supports clear breathing and a comfortable throat; helps the body manage “heat” patterns in TCM.
- Best forms: cut herb for tea/decoction; powder for blending/capsules.
- Best prep: infusion for lighter material; gentle simmer for stronger extraction (details below).
- Quality tells: fresh green aroma, clean cut, low dust, stored dry and cool.
- Who usually likes it: people who want an herb that feels “clearing,” especially seasonally.
What Is Yu Xing Cao?
Yu Xing Cao is the Chinese name commonly used for Houttuynia cordata. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it’s known for “clearing” actions—often selected when a formula aims to support comfortable breathing and a balanced internal environment. In modern herbal conversations, it’s discussed for its naturally occurring plant compounds (including volatile oils and flavonoids).
TCM Quick Facts
- TCM Category: Clears Heat & Resolves Toxicity (commonly described)
- Taste: Pungent (often described as aromatic)
- Temperature: Cool
- Meridians: Commonly associated with Lung (sources vary by tradition)
Note: Traditional descriptions differ among lineages and texts. This page is for educational use and practical preparation guidance.
What People Use Yu Xing Cao For
- Respiratory comfort support (especially seasonally)
- Throat comfort support
- General immune wellness support as part of a balanced routine
- Cooling / clearing support for people who run “hot” in TCM terms
Why It Works (Traditional Lens + Modern Lens)
Traditional perspective
In TCM language, Yu Xing Cao is chosen when the strategy is to “clear heat” and support the Lung system’s ability to maintain smooth, comfortable function. It’s often paired with other “clearing” herbs depending on pattern and constitution.
Modern perspective (plain English)
Plants like Houttuynia cordata contain naturally occurring aromatic compounds and flavonoids. Research discussions often focus on antioxidant activity and how plant constituents interact with pathways related to immune signaling. This is not the same as a drug claim—just a reasonable explanation for why it has earned attention.
How to Use Yu Xing Cao
The “best” method depends on the form you bought and your routine. Use the simplest method you’ll actually stick with.
Option 1: Tea / Infusion (best for cut herb)
- Starter ratio: 1 tablespoon dried herb per 1 cup hot water
- Steep: 8–12 minutes, covered
- Tip: covering the cup keeps the aromatic fraction from drifting off into your kitchen air
Option 2: Gentle simmer (stronger extraction)
- Starter ratio: 1–2 tablespoons herb per 2 cups water
- Simmer: 15–20 minutes on low heat
- Use: drink warm or refrigerate up to 3 days
Want a full guide to methods (capsules, decoctions, tinctures, syrups, salves, oils)? Click here for our complete How to Use Bulk Herbs guide.
Option 3: Powder (capsules or blending)
If you purchased powder, capsules are the cleanest route when taste is a deal-breaker. For powder-specific instructions: click here for our detailed powdered herb guide .
Best practice: Start modestly, track your routine, and adjust one variable at a time (amount, steep time, or frequency). Consistency beats guessing.
How to Make Yu Xing Cao Taste Better
- Add a little honey after straining (moderate amounts).
- Use a squeeze of lemon after brewing.
- Blend with naturally pleasant aromatics when appropriate (for example, cinnamon or citrus peel).
- If it’s still not your friend: switch to capsules for powders.
How to Identify High-Quality Yu Xing Cao
Quality determines results. A “cheap” herb that’s stale or poorly stored often behaves like… decorative plant confetti. Here’s what to look for:
- Aroma: distinct, fresh, not dusty or musty
- Color: looks lively, not gray-brown and tired
- Cut: consistent cut with minimal powdery debris
- Storage: kept dry and protected from heat/light
For deeper buying guidance: How To Identify Quality Herbs: An Expert’s Guide .
Storage (So It Keeps Its Character)
- Use airtight containers (glass is excellent).
- Label with herb name + date opened.
- Store cool, dark, and dry.
- If it smells musty or shows moisture/mold: discard.
Cautions & Interactions
Herbs can interact with medications and may not be appropriate for everyone. If you are pregnant, nursing, managing a medical condition, or taking prescriptions, consult a qualified clinician before use. Stop use if you experience unexpected reactions.
- Medication caution: if you take prescription medications, especially those affecting bleeding/clotting or immune function, check with a clinician first.
- Sensitivity: discontinue if you experience irritation or intolerance.
Yu Xing Cao FAQ
Is Yu Xing Cao the same as Houttuynia cordata?
Yu Xing Cao is the common Chinese name used for the plant typically identified as Houttuynia cordata.
Is it better as tea or powder?
Tea is a traditional, simple method for cut herb. Powder is convenient for capsules and blends. Choose the form you can use consistently.
How long should I steep it?
As a starting point, steep 8–12 minutes covered. If you want stronger extraction, use a gentle simmer method (15–20 minutes).
How do I store it?
Airtight, labeled, and kept cool/dark/dry. Moisture is the fastest way to ruin a batch.
Shop Yu Xing Cao
If you want Yu Xing Cao that’s handled like it matters—clean storage, careful sourcing, and practical preparation guidance— shop below. If you’re unsure which form is best, contact us and we’ll point you to the right option.
RELATED LINKS
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.
