Evidence supporting the use of: Houttuynia
For the health condition: Skin (infections)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Houttuynia cordata, commonly known as fish mint or "dokudami," has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems in East Asia, particularly in China, Japan, and Korea. Its use for skin infections is primarily based on traditional herbal practice rather than robust modern scientific validation. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Houttuynia is believed to "clear heat and detoxify," and is used both internally and externally for various skin conditions, including abscesses, boils, and ulcers. Preparations such as poultices or topical washes are traditional applications for infected or inflamed skin.

Modern pharmacological studies have identified that Houttuynia contains compounds such as flavonoids, polysaccharides, and volatile oils with demonstrated antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro. Some laboratory research supports its inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus and other bacteria commonly associated with skin infections. However, clinical studies in humans are very limited, and there is insufficient high-quality evidence to conclusively validate its effectiveness for treating skin infections.

In summary, while there is a traditional basis and some promising laboratory evidence for the use of Houttuynia in managing skin infections, the current level of scientific evidence supporting its clinical efficacy remains modest. Most of its use for this indication is justified by tradition rather than rigorous clinical validation.

More about Houttuynia
More about Skin (infections)

Other ingredients used for Skin (infections)

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Abuta
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Achyranthes
Aerva lanata
Agave
Ajoene
Ajuga
Akebia
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Albizia
Alchornea
Alkanet
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Allantoin
Allyl isothiocyanate
Aloe vera
alpha-pinene
alpha-terpineol
Alstonia scholaris
American Liverleaf
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Ampelopsis
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Ardisia
Arisaema
Artepillin C
asafoetida
Asam gelugor
aucubin
Aureobasidium pullulans
azelaic acid
babchi
Bacillus
Backhousia citriodora
bael
Baliospermum
banyan
Baphicacanthus cusia
barberry
bentonite
benzoin
Bergenia
bisabolene
Black spruce
black walnut
Blepharis
Boswellic Acid
Bougainvillea
Brazilian peppertree
burning bush
California pitcher plant
camphor oil
Casearia esculenta
castile soap
Cedrus libani
chaparral
Chekiang Fritillary
chickweed
Chiococca alba
chlorophyll
Chondracanthus chamissoi
Cistus
citral
citronella
Clerodendrum phlomidis
cocklebur
copaiba oil
copper
croton seeds
Cynodon dactylon
cypress
daphne
Didymocarpus
echinacea purpurea
Echinodorus
emu oil
farnesol
Ficus religiosa
fir
fleabane
frankincense
Galbanum
Galium
gallic acid
genipap
geranial
geraniol
Gigartina
glyceryl caprylate caprate
Glycolipids
Glycyrrhetinic acid
golden shower tree
goldenrod
goldenseal
Guazuma ulmifolia
heartwood
Hemidesmus
Homalomena
Houttuynia
Hyaluronidase
hydroxyquinoline
Hypericin
Immortelle
Immunoglobulin G
Indian nightshade
Indian sarsparilla
Ivy
Japanese sophora
Jatoba
juniper berries
Kachnar
Kigelia africana
knotgrass
knotweed
Labdanum
lactic acid
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lactoperoxidase
Laminaria
Lantana camara
Ledebouriella
Leptadenia
Leptospermum scoparium
Lilium polyphyllum
liverwort
Lophira lanceolata
loquat
Loranthus
lupulone
Lysimachia
Mahonia
manzanita
Marjoram
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Matapalo Tree
melaleuca alternifolia
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Nasturtium
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oriental arborvitae
paederia foetida
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Polypodium
Premna
privet
purple Tephrosia
queen of the meadow
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quercetin
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sarsaparilla
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sheep's sorrel
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smilax
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Spikenard
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Streptomyces
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typhonium
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Products containing Houttuynia

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