The difference between Imperata cylindrica and Houttuynia cordata

Imperata root and Houttuynia cordata are often used in our lives, and the two have great similarities. However, as medicines, the two are definitely fundamentally different. When used incorrectly, not only can they fail to play their due role, they may even have the opposite effect. Therefore, we need to clarify the difference between the two. So, what is the difference between Imperata Root and Houttuynia Cordata? Let’s take a closer look below.

1. Different appearance

The surface of Houttuynia cordata is flat cylindrical, 20~35cm long and 0.2~0.3cm in diameter. The surface is generally brown-yellow. There are usually residual fibrous roots on the lower nodes, and they are easily broken. The roots of Imperata cylindrica are slender and cylindrical, sometimes with branches. They are generally 30 to 60 cm long and 1.5 mm in diameter. Their colors are usually milky white, creamy yellow, or light brown. It can be seen from this that there are still big differences in the appearance of Imperata root and Houttuynia cordata.

2. Different effects

From the above we can know that Imperata root has the effects of cooling blood and stopping bleeding, promoting dampness and relieving jaundice, clearing heat and relieving stranguria. Houttuynia cordata has the effects of clearing away heat and detoxifying, promoting diuresis and relieving stranguria, anti-inflammatory, and strengthening the stomach and digestion. Therefore, there are great differences in the effects and functions of Houttuynia cordata and Imperata root.

How to boil water to drink Imperata root

Imperata cylindrica tea

Take 40 grams of fresh Imperata root and about 20 grams of honeysuckle. Use 1000 ml of water, put these two medicines in a pot and boil them, discard the residue, and then add 20 grams of rock sugar. It has the effect of clearing away heat and detoxifying, and can also clear the throat. If you accidentally catch a viral cold or acute or chronic tonsillitis, you can drink this tea, which is very effective.

Imperatae chinensis tea

Take 30 grams of fresh Imperata root, add 10 grams of Paeonia suffruticosa and 10 grams of Saposhnikovia divaricata. Put them all in a pot and add about 500 ml of water. Bring to a boil and discard the residue. Take one dose per day, before breakfast and dinner. It can clear away heat and cool blood. It can also enhance the body's resistance to viruses and prevent colds.

Imperata root root tea

Take 30 grams of fresh Imperata root and 15 grams of lotus root nodes. Place 500 ml of water in a pot. After boiling, discard the residue. It has the effect of clearing heat and cooling blood. It is also very effective in preventing and treating nosebleeds caused by getting angry.