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Houttuynia cordata is a perennial plant native to Southeast Asia. It is a member of the Saururaceae family and is known for its unique, heart-shaped leaves and its use in traditional herbal medicine.

Description

Houttuynia cordata is a herbaceous plant that grows up to 80 cm in height. It has heart-shaped leaves, hence the name 'cordata', which means 'heart-shaped' in Latin. The leaves are usually green, but can also be variegated with shades of red, yellow, and cream. The plant produces small, white flowers in the summer.

Distribution and Habitat

Houttuynia cordata is native to Southeast Asia, including countries such as China, Japan, Korea, and India. It grows in moist, shady locations and is often found near streams and ponds.

Uses

Houttuynia cordata has a long history of use in traditional medicine. In Chinese medicine, it is known as 'yu xing cao' and is used to treat various ailments, including pneumonia, hypertension, and skin diseases. The plant is also used in cooking, particularly in the cuisine of Vietnam and Northeast India, where it is known for its strong, fish-like smell and taste.

Cultivation

Houttuynia cordata is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of conditions, but it prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. It can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or division of the root ball.

Research

There has been some scientific research into the medicinal properties of Houttuynia cordata. Studies have suggested that the plant may have anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-cancer properties, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.

See Also

• List of plants used in herbalism
• Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Medicinal plants