Evidence supporting the use of: Houttynia
For the health condition: Ear Infection or Earache
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Houttuynia cordata is an herb traditionally used in East Asian medicine, particularly in Chinese and Vietnamese herbal practices. Its use for ear infections or earache is based largely on traditional knowledge rather than robust scientific validation. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Houttuynia is thought to have "heat-clearing" and "detoxifying" properties, and it is sometimes included in herbal formulas aimed at treating infections, including those of the ear. However, there are no high-quality randomized clinical trials or strong scientific studies demonstrating its efficacy specifically for ear infections or earache in humans. Most available evidence is anecdotal or comes from broader studies indicating that Houttuynia extracts have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro or in animal studies. These effects are sometimes extrapolated to support its use for infections, but this does not constitute direct clinical evidence for ear infections in particular. Thus, its use in this context is primarily justified by tradition, and the scientific evidence supporting it is weak (rated 1 out of 5).
Other ingredients used for Ear Infection or Earache
myrobalanbetel
blackberry
chamomile
Coptis chinensis
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
goldenseal
onion
Indian tinospora
mustard seed
oregano
plantain
rosemary
schizonepeta
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
xylitol
mullein
xanthium (cockleburs)
gastrodia
papaya
Indian bael
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
hedychium spicatum
anise
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
myrrh
sweet flag
sweetgums
morinda
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
paw paw
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
geranium
Achyranthes
Anamu
Alchornea
Asafoetida
Aerva lanata
Alsonia scholaris
Asteracea
Abuta
Amor seco
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bombax
Bergenia
Borneol
Coconut
Calendula
Cinnamomum
Calotropis gigantea
Cajuput
Centipeda
Calamus
Costus
Celosia
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Devil's Club
Erodium cicutarium
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Eugenol
Goldthread
Garlic
Little ironweed
Mallow
Poppy
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Houttynia
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Arthritis
Asthma
Belching
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cold Sores
Colds (general)
Constipation (adults)
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Indigestion
Inflammation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Jaundice (adults)
Jaundice (infants)
Kidney Infection
Liver Detoxification
Menstrual Irregularity
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Phlebitis