Soothing Botanical ·
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
What is it?
An extract from Houttuynia cordata, a plant used in traditional Japanese and Chinese medicine as an herbal tea and poultice for skin and other conditions, studied for anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects relevant to calming/soothing skincare.
What does it do?
According to PubMed, a 2025 study found Houttuynia cordata polysaccharides reduced epidermal thickness, skin lesions, mast cell infiltration and inflammatory cytokines while restoring skin barrier proteins and lipid balance in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.144264). A 2016 study of a traditional Houttuynia cordata poultice extract found real antibacterial and anti-biofilm effects against oral pathogens and anti-inflammatory effects on human oral epithelial cells, without cytotoxicity, supporting the plant's traditional use for treating purulent (infected) skin conditions via poultice application (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/2581876).
Sources
This page provides general skincare information and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Ingredient interactions and evidence summaries reflect published, cited sources — not a personal assessment of your skin. For medical skin conditions, rashes, pregnancy/lactation questions or persistent concerns, please consult a licensed dermatologist or HPCSA-registered practitioner.