Details of Medicinal Plants

Houttuynia Herb

Houttuynia cordata Thunb. Saururaceae

This perennial plant is found in East Asian countries including Japan. Its plant height in Japan is 20 to 50 cm and its flowering period is May to June. The whole plant has a characteristic odor. ''Houttuynia herb tea'' is made from the leaf of this species. This tea is drunk in the expectation of improvement in urination and bowel movement.

Part used: above-ground part
Medicinal use: diuretic, laxative, and detoxicant
Main component: quercitrin

The name of this herbal medicine is ''Houttuynia Herb''.

The flower of H. cordata Thunb. f. plena (Makino) Okuyama
has many petals. Their involucral bracts change into petals.

The leaf of the species H. cordata Thunb. f. variegata (Makino) Sugim., n. n. has beautiful spots.