Evidence supporting the use of: Houttuynia
For the health condition: Urinary Tract Infections
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Houttuynia cordata has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and other Asian medical systems for supporting urinary tract health, including the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs). It is known as "Yuxingcao" in China and is often incorporated into herbal formulations aimed at clearing heat and dampness from the body, concepts that correspond to infection and inflammation in traditional paradigms. The plant is valued for its purported diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Some laboratory studies have shown that extracts of Houttuynia cordata possess antibacterial activity against certain pathogens, including Escherichia coli, a common cause of UTIs. However, these studies are preclinical and involve cell cultures or animal models rather than human subjects. There is a notable lack of high-quality, randomized controlled trials in humans that directly assess the efficacy of Houttuynia for treating or preventing UTIs. As a result, while its use is well-established in traditional medicine and supported by some preliminary scientific findings, robust clinical evidence is lacking.
In summary, Houttuynia's use for UTIs is primarily justified by tradition, with some low-level scientific support, but not enough to recommend it as a proven therapy by modern medical standards.
Other ingredients used for Urinary Tract Infections
AbrusAbuta
Achyranthes
Adzuki bean
Aerva lanata
Agave
Agrimonia pilosa
Agrimony
Akebia
Alchemilla
Alchornea
Alfalfa
Alisma
Allium tuberosum
Aloe vera
Amor seco
anamu
Angelica
anthocyanins
apple cider vinegar
arbutin
Aronia melanocarpa
asafoetida
asparagus
astragalus
aucubin
bacillus subtilis
bael
baicalin
baobab
barberry
Bauhinia
bearberry
berberine
Berberis (unspecified)
Bergenia
bergenin
big quaking grass
birch
black currant
black gram
bottle gourd
buchu
carambola
cardamom
carvacrol
cassia bark
celery
chanca piedra
Cistus
Clerodendrum phlomidis
cloudberry
Coconut Water
Coin-leaf desmodium
coix
coriander
corn
cornsilk
couch grass
cranberry
Crinum latifolium
cubeb
cucumber
Cucurbita
currant
Cynodon dactylon
D-mannose
dandelion
Desmodium
dong quai root
dwarf morning glory
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
Euryale seed
fennel
fenugreek
fleabane
fruit blend (proprietary)
fu ling
Galium
goji berry
gokhru
goldenrod
goldenseal
gravel root
Graviola
green tea
Guazuma ulmifolia
heather
hibiscus
honeysuckle
horse gram
Houttuynia
hydrangea
hydroxyquinoline
Indian gum arabic tree
Java tea
Job\'s tears
juniper berries
Kachnar
knotgrass
knotweed
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus brevis
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus crispatus
Lactobacillus fermentum
Lactobacillus gasseri
Lactobacillus jensenii
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lactobacillus pentosus
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus salivarius
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lespedeza capitata
lime
lingonberry
Lomatium
Long Buchu
Longleaf buchu
lophatherum leaf
Lophira lanceolata
Loranthus
Lysimachia
mannose
manzanita
Marsh Tea
Melon
Methenamine
Methyl arbutin
Mezoneuron benthamianum
Mormon Tea
Mulberry
Mung bean
okra
Oldenlandia diffusa
ophiopogon root
Ovate Buchu
Palo Azul
Pareira
Pata de Vaca
pau d'arco
Pedalium
Pedra hume
Pelargonium
Pepper Bark Tree
Phragmites
Pipsissewa
pumpkin
purslane
pygeum
Pyrola
radish
Rhus coriaria
Rosa laevigata
rosthorn snake gourd
Rumex acetosa
sage
Sambucus nigra
saponins
sarsaparilla
Scirpus
Semecarpus anacardium
sheep's sorrel
shepherd's purse
Shilajit
smilax
Spiny Restharrow
Stachytarpheta cayennensis
Stone Root
Swertia
Tannins
Taraxacum
Taraxol
Tribuloside
Vasicine
vitamin C
Watercress
Watermelon
Withanolides
Other health conditions supported by Houttuynia
AbscessesAcid Indigestion
Allergies (respiratory)
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Cuts
Eczema
Eye Infections
Fever
Fungal Infections
Glands (swollen lymph)
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Influenza
Itching
Kidney Infection
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Pneumonia
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, Allergic
Skin (infections)
Skin Care (general)
Sore Throat
Staph Infections
Strep Throat
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores
