When is the best time to pick Houttuynia cordata?

Some people drink Houttuynia cordata root all year round. In fact, most of them are because they are stored for a long time after being dried. So, when is Houttuynia cordata root available? When is the best time to pick Houttuynia cordata root?

When is the root of Houttuynia cordata available?

Houttuynia root is usually consumed with its underground roots, so that the roots can fully develop and achieve the goal of high-quality yield increase. The harvest period is generally controlled during the last flowers and winter. When picking, first harvest the above-ground part, cut off the whole plant, wash and cut into strips, dry and package them, and then sell them to medicinal material companies.

The tender underground stems can be picked throughout the winter. Just dig them up with a hoe and shake off the soil.

The tender stems and leaves of Houttuynia cordata root are also edible. They are usually picked in batches from July to September. The tender stems are picked underground. It is not suitable to pick the leaves and stems in early summer.

The roots of Houttuynia cordata are tender and crisp, moderately spicy and fishy. They can be paired with vermicelli and loofah to make cold dishes, can be used to cook meat, and can be salted and stored. When taking the tender stems and leaves, wash them first, blanch them with hot water, pour out the bitter taste, wash them again, and drain them.

When is the best time to pick Houttuynia cordata root?

Before the Qingming Festival, the roots of Houttuynia cordata are the fattest and most fragrant. They can be picked before May Day, but by then they are basically in full bloom and the roots are relatively old. They are only suitable for making tea or something, but not for cold dishes.

The efficacy of Houttuynia cordata root

1. Tonsillitis, pharyngitis: Soak fresh Houttuynia cordata in water as milk tea, or cook and stir-fry it and eat it as a dish.

2. Urinary tract infection, frequent, urgent and painful urination: take 50g of fresh grass or 30g of dried slices and soak them.

3. Lung abscess: Wash the fresh grass and cook it, or use 50 grams of Houttuynia cordata root, 12 grams of Platycodon grandiflorum, and 6 grams of licorice, decocted in water and taken orally.

4. Subacute bronchitis, tuberculosis, cough with blood in sputum: use 30 grams of Houttuynia cordata root, 6 grams of licorice, and 30 grams of plantain, decocted in water and taken orally.

5. Various skin diseases: Apply the fresh juice or take the decocted juice orally, it has the effect of clearing away heat, detoxifying, reducing swelling, removing prickly heat and relieving itching. Use wolfsbane boiled in water for external washing to treat pemphigus and tinea pedis.

6. Carbuncle, furuncle, back ulcer, carbuncle and sore (whether ruptured or not): Wrap fresh Houttuynia cordata root with wet paper, place it over ash fire and simmer until cooked, remove and crush it, and apply it to the wound.

7. Endometritis, cervicitis, adnexitis, red secretions, and lower abdominal pain: 30-60 grams of Houttuynia cordata root, 30 grams each of dandelion and honeysuckle vine, decocted in water and taken orally.

8. Centipede bites: Take 62.5 grams of Houttuynia cordata root, 31.25 grams of Rhus chinensis root, 15.6 grams of Scutellaria baicalensis root, and 31.5 grams of Herba Lycopodii, decoct them in water and use them for external washing on centipede bites.