Green Stem Houttuynia (Houttuynia cordata), also known as Chameleon Plant, is a perennial herb belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is native to Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, and other regions in China. It has the effects of clearing heat and relieving cough, as well as eliminating dampness and dispersing abscesses. It is commonly used to treat bronchitis, hepatic pneumonia, leukorrhea, and boils.
【Medicinal Benefits of Green Stem Houttuynia】
Green Stem Houttuynia has the effects of clearing heat, relieving cough, eliminating dampness, and dispersing abscesses. It is commonly used to treat bronchitis, hepatic pneumonia, leukorrhea, and boils.
For cough, pertussis, and asthma, take 30g of Green Stem Houttuynia and decoct it.
For children with accumulated sores and post-illness weakness, take 60g of fresh Green Stem Houttuynia root and stew it with chicken or decoct it.
Harvest Green Stem Houttuynia in summer and autumn, wash it thoroughly, and air dry it. Make it into slices by removing impurities, stems, and leaves. Soak the slices in water for 2-4 hours, then take them out and let them absorb the moisture. Cut them into 2mm (6mm) oblique slices and air dry them.
【Morphological Characteristics of Green Stem Houttuynia】
Green Stem Houttuynia is a perennial herb, growing 20-45cm tall with white latex. The roots are very long and also contain latex. The stems are erect and clustered, with distinct ridges and branching in a dichotomous pattern.
The basal leaves are inverted lanceolate, 3-4.5cm long, 0.6-1cm wide, with blunt round tips and short points. The edges have sparse small teeth, and the base gradually narrows into a stalk, which is easy to fall off.
The stem leaves are opposite, linear, 1.5-6cm long, 1.5-4mm wide, with gradually pointed tips and sparse small teeth on the edges. The base is wedge-shaped and embraces the stem.
The fruits of Green Stem Houttuynia are slender and cylindrical, about 4mm long. They are dark brown with fine ridges and have white coronal hairs.
【Application Methods of Green Stem Houttuynia】
"Selected Yunnan Medicinal Herbs": "Moistens the lungs, relieves cough, clears heat, detoxifies, promotes digestion, regulates qi, and promotes lactation. It is used to treat bronchitis, pneumonia, abscesses, children's malnutrition, insufficient lactation, and conjunctivitis."
"Frequently Used Folk Medicinal Herbs in Kunming": "Tonifies deficiency and treats dizziness and weakness caused by physical weakness."
"National Compilation of Chinese Medicinal Herbs": "Strengthens the spleen, eliminates accumulation, clears heat, detoxifies, promotes lactation. It is used to treat children's cold accumulation, insufficient lactation, bronchitis, pneumonia, hepatitis, leukorrhea, intestinal wind bleeding, joint pain, bruises, and boils."
Those who have a constitution of deficiency and cold should use it with caution. It is prohibited during menstruation as it is cold in nature and should not be taken. It is also prohibited for pregnant women. Medication should be avoided during pregnancy to reduce harm to the fetus. Children can take it in moderation.
