Heartleaf Houttuynia Herb

Primarily produced in the areas south of the Yangtze River of China.

Dried piece has flat cylindrical stem, wrinkled, 20~35cm long, 0.2~0.3cm diameter; externally brownish-yellow, with numerous longitudinal ridges, obvious nodes, lower node have remnants of rootlet; brittle texture, easily broken. Opposing leaves, leaf is rolled over and wrinkled, heart-shaped after being spread flat, 3~5cm long, 3~4.5cm wide; gradually pointed apex, with entire edge; upper surface is dark yellowish-green to dark brown, lower surface is grayish-green or grayish-brown; thin and long leaf stem, base and stipule together form a sheath-like appearance. Spiked flower head grows at the apex, yellowish-brown. Produce fishy odor when mashed, slightly astringent taste.

Superior medicinal material has numerous leaves, green color, with flower spike and potent fishy odor.

Bitter, slightly cold.

Clears heat, resolves toxin, expels pus, disperses swelling-abscess, promotes urination, frees strangury. Apply to lung abscess and vomiting pus, coughing with phlegm heat, throat pain, het diarrhea, swelling abscess and sore toxin, het strangury.