Yu Xing Cao (Fish Mint) is a cool, pungent herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) known for its strong ability to clear heat, resolve toxins, drain dampness, and reduce swelling. It is derived from the aerial parts of Houttuynia cordataand is valued for treating heat-toxin infections, lung abscesses, damp-heat diarrhea, and urinary tract infections. In addition to its internal applications, Yu Xing Cao is often used externally for skin sores, boils, and inflammatory conditions. Its fresh form is considered especially potent for clearing heat from the Lungs and reducing purulent infections, while the dried form is often used in decoctions for damp-heat conditions.
Functions & Benefits
Clears Heat and Resolves Toxins
Effectively treats heat-toxin conditions such as lung abscesses, pneumonia, and purulent respiratory infections. Reduces fever, swelling, and inflammation caused by pathogenic heat.
Drains Damp-Heat and Promotes Urination
Addresses damp-heat in the lower burner, making it useful for urinary tract infections, painful urination, and damp-heat diarrhea.
Reduces Swelling and Expels Pus
Used for abscesses, boils, sores, and cellulitis. Promotes pus drainage and accelerates healing in infected tissues.
Benefits the Lungs and Eases Cough
Clears Lung heat and transforms phlegm, relieving cough, yellow sputum, and chest congestion associated with heat-toxin pathogens.
Indications (Who Can Benefit from It?)
✔ Individuals with lung infections, cough with yellow phlegm, or chest congestion.
✔ People with urinary tract infections or painful urination caused by damp-heat.
✔ Those with skin abscesses, boils, or sores needing toxin resolution.
✔ Patients with damp-heat diarrhea or dysentery.
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Red with yellow, greasy coating, indicating damp-heat and toxins.
Pulse: Rapid and slippery, reflecting heat and damp accumulation.
Related TCM Patterns
Lung Heat with Toxins – Causes cough, purulent sputum, fever, and chest pain.
Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner – Leads to urinary pain, cloudy urine, and diarrhea.
Heat-Toxin Skin Infections – Manifests as sores, abscesses, and redness with swelling.
Clinical Applications (For Reference Only)
Pneumonia and Bronchitis – Clears Lung heat and resolves phlegm-heat infection.
Urinary Tract Infections – Promotes urination and clears damp-heat from the bladder.
Skin Abscesses and Cellulitis – Reduces swelling, draws out pus, and accelerates healing.
Damp-Heat Diarrhea – Alleviates inflammation and resolves toxin-induced bowel disorders.
Common Herbal Formulas with Yu Xing Cao
Often paired with Bai Jiang Cao for abscesses and infections, or with Jin Yin Hua and Lian Qiao for systemic heat-toxin clearance.
Precautions & Contraindications
Avoid in cases of Spleen and Stomach cold deficiency with loose stools.
Not suitable for long-term use in individuals with weak digestion.
Use fresh herb with caution in patients prone to allergic reactions.
Lifestyle & Dietary Recommendations
✔ Eat light, cooling foods such as cucumber, watermelon, and mung beans to support heat-clearing effects.
✔ Avoid greasy, spicy, and heavy foods that can increase damp-heat.
✔ Maintain hydration to assist in toxin elimination.
✔ Incorporate rest and gentle breathing exercises to support Lung recovery during illness.
Conclusion
Yu Xing Cao (Fish Mint) is a potent cooling and detoxifying herb in TCM, valued for its ability to clear heat-toxins, drain damp-heat, resolve pus, and support both respiratory and urinary health. Its versatility makes it a key choice in treating infections, inflammation, and toxin-related conditions.
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