Heartleaf Houttuynia — Safety & Interactions
Yu Xing Cao · Herba Houttuyniae
Use with caution. Practitioner review recommended before use.
Contraindications
- Cold-Damp Lung patterns (cough with clear-white phlegm, no fever)
- Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Cold
Cautions
- Standard dose 15–30g fresh herb or 15–25g dried in decoction; add in final 5 minutes to preserve volatile houttuynin
- Aristolactams A and B are present at low levels; aristolochic acids (the nephrotoxic compounds) are absent or below detection — avoid prolonged unsupervised use as precaution
- Injectable preparations (sodium houttuyfonate injection) were suspended nationally in China in 2006 following serious allergic reactions; injectable form is NOT equivalent to oral/decoction safety profile
- Oral and topical use considered safe at standard doses based on centuries of use
Drug Interactions
| Drug Class / Substrate | Mechanism | Severity | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anticoagulants / antiplatelet drugs: possible additive blood-thinning effect due to quercetin content; monitor for increased bleeding risk | |||
| Immunosuppressants: potential additive immunomodulatory effect; caution in transplant patients or those on immunosuppressive therapy | |||
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal medicines, especially if you take prescription medications.