Houttuynia cordata alias Fold ear root is a plant that is both medicinal and food, has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying, and is used to treat lung abscess , dysentery , hemorrhoid , etc. Modern pharmacology research has proved that hrute cordata has anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects, and has certain therapeutic effects on pulmonary fibrotic pneumonia, mumps , and enteritis .
Houttuynia cordata is an herb included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The source of the herb is the dry above-ground part of the plant of the Sanbai family, with lush stems and leaves in summer, and the flower spikes are often harvested to remove impurities and dry them. Houttuynia cordata is spicy and cold in nature and belongs to the lung meridian. It can clear heat and detoxify, clear swelling and treat sores, diuretic and dehumidification, clear heat and stop diarrhea, strengthen the stomach and digest food, and treat solid heat, Hot toxin , dampness and heat, lung abscess, ulcers, swelling and toxins caused by hemorrhoids and bloody stools, spleen and stomach heat accumulation, etc.
1
Why is Houttuynia cordata a "harmful grass"? What impact does eating Houttuynia cordata have on the body?
Recently, there are many rumors that Houttuynia cordata is a harmful grass. This mainly stems from a substance called aristolochic acid . It exists in some Chinese herbal medicines. With the development of modern medicine, its toxic side has been slowly discovered. In 2013, researchers from Singapore published a paper in the internationally renowned academic journal "Science Translational Medicine" that Chinese herbal medicines containing aristolochic acid can cause mutations in kidney genes, which in turn lead to kidney cancer , and may also be related to liver cancer.
Because the toxicity of aristolochic acid has been clearly identified, the public has gradually increased their awareness of prevention. After learning the rumors that Houttuynia cordata contains aristolochic acid, they began to refuse to eat Houttuynia cordata, but this statement was a misunderstanding from beginning to end.
At present, all studies on carcinogenicity of aristolochic acid have concluded that "aristolochiclactam I cause carcinogenicity". Some experts said that aristolochiclactam I is indeed highly carcinogenic and can cause kidney damage, but Houttuynia cordata only contains three components of aristolochiclactam-BII, AII and FII. Their effects on the human body are different from aristolochiclactam I. No research has found that they cause cancer, and there are no clinical reports of kidney damage caused by eating Houttuynia cordata.
Therefore, the saying that Houttuynia cordata causes cancer is false. Some people have created rumors to gain attention, so don’t believe such rumors anymore.
2
What is the effect of eating Houttuynia cordata on the body?
Fold ear roots are called Houttuynia cordata as medicinal herbs. Generally speaking, if used correctly, this medicine usually does not bring harm to the human body, but if consumed in large quantities, it may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
The disadvantage of eating Houttuynia cordata is mainly manifested in improper use of the medicine. This medicine has a certain cold nature. Eating it in large quantities may cause stomach discomfort. This phenomenon is particularly obvious in people with cold symptoms. However, if the patient can eat Houttuynia cordata correctly, it will usually not cause any harm to the body.
. Because the fishy smell of Houttuynia cordata is relatively serious, it may cause nausea, vomiting, oral odor, bad breath, etc. during the process of taking Houttuynia cordata.
2. Houttuynia cordata contains aristolochic acid, which can cause certain damage to the kidneys. Therefore, long-term excessive use of Houttuynia cordata may lead to kidney damage and even chronic renal failure.
3. For pregnant women, children and the elderly, the intake of Houttuynia cordata should also be restricted, because Houttuynia cordata is a cold drug and has a certain impact on children, women and the elderly. In clinical practice, if it is caused by damp heat or severe thermal lesions, Houttuynia cordata can be used for treatment. If it is a deficiency disease, Houttuynia cordata cannot be used for treatment.
3
Can Houttuynia cordata lower blood pressure?
Houttuynia cordata can generally lower blood pressure.Houttuynia cordata is a Chinese medicine that has the effect of diuretic and swelling.Houttuynia cordata's diuretic effect is helpful for lowering blood pressure, but the antihypertensive effect is not very significant. Therefore, patients with High blood pressure cannot simply take Houttuynia cordata to lower blood pressure, and should also take antihypertensive drugs on time and in dosage as directed by the doctor.
Currently, the common treatment drugs for hypertension include diuretics, calcium antagonists, and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, which are commonly known as ACEI preparations, or angiotensin II receptor antagonists. The main representatives of this type of drug are sartans, such as losartan , valsartan , and candesartan all belong to this type of drug. Of course, there are two other drugs that can also be used, such as α receptor blockers and β receptor blockers.
It is recommended that patients with hypertension should also pay attention to lifestyle adjustments, ensure regular diet and daily life, avoid staying up late and getting tired, avoid smoking and drinking, etc. In life, they should also strictly control the intake of sodium salt in food, and the intake of cholesterol , and perform appropriate physical exercise, which is also helpful for stabilizing blood pressure.
