Soothe Angry Skin with Houttuynia Cordata: From Acne Relief to Side Effects and How to Use It

leaves and flowers of the Houttuynia cordata


Hello.

Do you ever dread looking in the mirror because of skin exhausted by masks and external irritants, or acne that pops up without warning? Today, I want to talk about a powerful natural prescription for such sensitive and angry skin: Houttuynia Cordata (known as 'Eoseongcho' in Korea). Let's dive deep into how this herb, also called fish mint, can be a savior for troubled skin, exploring its amazing benefits, smart usage methods, and necessary precautions.

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Soothe your sensitive skin with the green prescription from nature, Houttuynia Cordata.

leaves and flowers of the Houttuynia cordata


What specific benefits does Houttuynia Cordata have?

As its Korean name suggests, Houttuynia Cordata has a unique fishy scent, but its powerful skin-soothing and purifying effects, which far outweigh the scent, have earned it the nickname 'dermatology herb.' It is especially effective for inflammatory troubles.

[Summary of Benefits]

  • Suppresses acne-causing bacteria with strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action
  • Soothes skin and alleviates redness
  • Controls excess sebum and manages pores
  • Detoxifies skin and helps eliminate waste products

1. Potent Anti-inflammatory and Antibacterial Action (The Core of Acne Care)
One of the main causes of acne is the proliferation of 'acne bacteria' (P. acnes) in the pores. The Quercitrin and decanoyl acetaldehyde components abundant in Houttuynia Cordata have a powerful antibacterial effect that inhibits the activity of these bacteria. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory properties are excellent for calming existing inflammation, greatly helping to soothe pustules or red, swollen acne.


2. Excellent Skin-Soothing Effect
Skin that has become red and sensitive due to external stimuli needs immediate soothing. Houttuynia Cordata is highly effective at cooling and calming the skin. You can experience a noticeable reduction in redness just by soaking a cotton pad with its extract and placing it on flushed or troubled areas for a short time.


3. Sebum Control and Pore Management
Excessive sebum production is another cause that clogs pores and leads to acne. Houttuynia Cordata helps control unnecessary oil and cleanses impurities from within the pores, which reduces shininess and is effective in preventing blackheads and whiteheads.


Well-dried Houttuynia cordata


Precautions for Using Houttuynia Cordata (Are there any side effects?)

Even natural ingredients are not 100% safe for every skin type. Please check the following before using Houttuynia Cordata.

[Summary of Precautions]

  • Always conduct a patch test before skin application.
  • Due to its cooling nature, those with dry skin should combine it with moisturizing care.
  • When consumed orally, those with a 'cold' body constitution should start with small amounts.
  • Use caution when ingesting if you have weak kidney function.

1. A Patch Test is Essential
No matter how good an ingredient is, it can cause allergic reactions or irritation depending on your skin type. Before applying Houttuynia Cordata extract or related products to your entire face, always conduct a 'patch test' by applying a small amount to the inside of your arm or behind your ear and observing the reaction for 24 hours.


2. Cooling Property
Houttuynia Cordata is inherently a 'cooling' herb. While it is very effective for oily and acne-prone skin types with a lot of heat, prolonged use by individuals with very dry skin may worsen dryness. In this case, it's important to apply a sufficient amount of moisturizer after using it to maintain the skin's oil-water balance.


3. Oral Consumption Precautions
When drinking Houttuynia Cordata as a tea or consuming it as food, individuals with a 'cold' body constitution may experience stomach pain or diarrhea, so it's best to start with a small amount and monitor your body's reaction. It is also high in potassium, so those with poor kidney function should be cautious with intake.


Well-dried Houttuynia cordata


How can we use Houttuynia Cordata on our skin? (How-to Guide)

While commercial products are good, you can make your own at home to use it fresher and more safely.

  • 1. Super Simple DIY Houttuynia Cordata Toner & Mist
    1. Ingredients: 10g dried Houttuynia Cordata, 200ml purified water, 5-10ml glycerin (optional), a sterilized glass bottle.
    2. How to Make: Add the dried herb to the purified water and infuse over low heat for 15-20 minutes. Turn off the heat, let it cool completely, and then strain the liquid through a clean cloth or coffee filter.
    3. Add Moisture: Add glycerin, which acts as a humectant, to the strained liquid to your liking.
    4. Storage: Pour into a sterilized bottle and store in the refrigerator. Use within 2 weeks. It is very effective for soothing skin when used as a toner or sprayed frequently as a mist.


  • 2. Soothing Houttuynia Cordata Pack (Wash-off Type)
    1. Ingredients: 1 tablespoon Houttuynia Cordata powder, 1 tablespoon plain yogurt or honey.
    2. How to Make: Mix the powder with yogurt or honey to create a thick paste. (Add a little purified water if needed).
    3. How to Use: Apply evenly to a cleansed face, leave on for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse off with lukewarm water. Using it 1-2 times a week is great for sebum control and soothing troubles.

Houttuynia cordata tea in tea bag form sold overseas
(Source : https://bahrain.whizzcart.com/ )


In Conclusion

Today, we've learned about nature's gift for angry acne and sensitive skin, Houttuynia Cordata. With its powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects that address the root causes of skin problems, it's like a smart solution provided by nature.

On days when chemical ingredients feel burdensome, why not give your tired skin a rest with a homemade Houttuynia Cordata toner and pack using the methods shared today? I hope you regain clear and healthy skin through consistent care.


[References]

  • Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Republic of Korea, Herbal Medicine Information, 'Houttuyniae Herba'
  • Lu, H., Wu, X., Li, Y., & Chen, W. (2006). A new antioxidant compound from Houttuynia cordata. Natural product research, 20(7), 657-661.
  • Journal of the Korean Society of Beauty and Art, A Study on the Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Houttuynia cordata Thunb. Extracts.


#HouttuyniaCordata #AcneTreatment #SkinSoothing #DIYSkincare #SensitiveSkin #HerbalRemedy #KoreanBeauty #NaturalSkincare #OilySkinCare #TroubledSkin

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