Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Houttuynia cordata has a long history of use in traditional East Asian medicine, particularly in China, as an herbal remedy for respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is thought to clear heat and remove toxins from the lungs. Historically, decoctions or extracts of Houttuynia have been administered for symptoms such as cough, fever, and chest congestion associated with pneumonia and other lung infections.

Modern scientific studies provide limited support for these traditional uses. Some in vitro and animal studies indicate that Houttuynia may have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, which could theoretically contribute to alleviating symptoms of respiratory infections. However, high-quality clinical evidence in humans—especially randomized controlled trials specifically evaluating its efficacy in pneumonia—is lacking or inconclusive. Thus, while its use is well-entrenched in traditional practice, current scientific validation is modest and does not robustly confirm its efficacy for the treatment of pneumonia. As such, Houttuynia’s use for pneumonia is justified primarily by tradition rather than strong scientific evidence.

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