Houttuynia Cordata Pork Stomach Soup: Benefits & How to Make

Houttuynia cordata (heartleaf houttuynia) Stewed Pork Stomach – Medicinal Diet Education

Introduction to Medicinal Diet

Houttuynia cordata (鱼腥草) stewed with pork stomach (猪肚) is a traditional Chinese medicinal cuisine that combines delicious flavor with health-supporting benefits, originating from the southwestern and Jiangnan regions of China. Houttuynia cordata, also known as “Jicai” or “Zhe’ergen,” derives its name from the distinctive fishy odor released when its fresh stems and leaves are crushed. It is recorded in the *Compendium of Materia Medica* (《本草纲目》) as a herb for “promoting a cool internal environment and supporting the body’s natural defenses.” Pork stomach, the stomach of a pig, is traditionally used in the folk concept of “like supporting like” (以形补形) to nourish and strengthen the Spleen and Stomach when they are deficient. When these two ingredients are simmered together into a soup, the broth turns milky white and clear, with a savory, slightly sweet, and lingering aftertaste. The fishy odor transforms during cooking into a unique, rich aroma that greatly stimulates the appetite.

The formulation of this medicinal dish is rooted in the TCM theory of “medicine and food sharing the same origin,” combining heat-clearing and toxin-resolving *Houttuynia cordata* (heartleaf houttuynia) with middle-warming and deficiency-supplementing pig stomach to create a unique pattern of “clearing while supplementing.” *Houttuynia cordata* is slightly cool in nature, enters the Lung Meridian (LU), and helps support the lungs’ natural cooling functions; pig stomach is warm in nature, enters the Spleen and Stomach Meridians (SP, ST), and can help nourish and maintain spleen and stomach health. The cool and warm components mutually balance each other, supporting a harmonious internal environment without overwhelming the stomach, while helping to maintain normal fluid balance. This makes it especially suitable for consumption during the transition from spring to summer or in seasons marked by heavy damp-heat. Modern nutritional science has found that *Houttuynia cordata* is rich in volatile oils, flavonoids, and various vitamins, while pig stomach contains abundant collagen and trace elements; their synergistic action may help support the body’s natural immune function.

Origin and Culture of Medicinal Cuisine

In regions such as Guizhou and Sichuan, Houttuynia cordata (fish mint) stewed with pig stomach is a commonly used folk “Lung-Supporting Soup.” Older generations often use it to comfort throat discomfort caused by excessive tobacco and alcohol consumption. In the Lingnan area, it is customary to prepare this soup during seasonal transitions, as it is believed to “promote internal comfort and help maintain normal body functions,” supporting the body’s adaptation to climatic changes. In recent years, with the promotion of TCM medicinal cuisine culture, this soup has moved beyond local dining tables and become a signature soup in many health-preservation restaurants.

Efficacy of Medicinal Diet

The core effects of Houttuynia cordata stewed with pork stomach can be summarized as “support a cool internal environment, promote healthy elimination, fortify the Spleen, and nourish deficiency.” The active components in Houttuynia cordata, such as quercitrin and decanoylacetaldehyde, exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and help maintain a healthy microbial balance. Therefore, it serves as a supportive dietary supplement for maintaining respiratory comfort during seasonal changes. Additionally, Houttuynia cordata supports the body’s natural immune response by helping maintain white blood cell function, earning it the nickname “natural immune supporter.”

Pig stomach, as an animal organ food ingredient, is rich in easily absorbed heme iron and high-quality protein, effectively helping to maintain healthy skin tone, energy levels, and overall vitality. The mucous membrane of pig stomach contains gastrin and various digestive enzymes, which gently support healthy gastric juice secretion, making it especially beneficial for individuals seeking to maintain digestive comfort and appetite. When stewed together, the herbal and food-based nourishment complement each other: Houttuynia cordata (fish mint) supports lung and stomach comfort, while pig stomach nourishes digestive function. This combination supports the body’s balance, offering a gentle way to help maintain healthy qi.

Evidence from modern research

Recent pharmacological studies have shown that extracts from Houttuynia cordata (heartleaf houttuynia) can significantly support healthy pulmonary function, helping to maintain normal levels of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6. Meanwhile, collagen peptides derived from pig stomach (porcine stomach) aid in supporting gastric mucosal barrier health, helping to maintain stomach comfort. This provides a modern scientific interpretation of traditional efficacy.

The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine

From the perspective of TCM nature, flavor, and meridian tropism, *Houttuynia cordata* (Heartleaf Houttuynia) is acrid in flavor and slightly cool in nature. It enters the Lung Meridian (LU) specifically, and also enters the Bladder Meridian (BL). Acridity helps disperse stagnation, and coolness helps support a balanced internal temperature; therefore, it is known for helping maintain lung comfort and promoting normal respiratory function. It is a classic herb for supporting lung health. *Ben Cao Jing Shu* (Materia Medica Annotations) praises it as “the essential herb for supporting the lung when phlegm-heat accumulates.” Pig’s Stomach is sweet in flavor and warm in nature, entering the Spleen Meridian (SP) and Stomach Meridian (ST). Sweetness nourishes the middle burner, and warmth helps maintain digestive warmth. It is adept at supporting overall vitality, fortifying the spleen and stomach, and is especially helpful for maintaining digestive regularity and body weight.

In terms of compatibility, the Houttuynia cordata (Heartleaf Houttuynia) is tempered by the warm, moistening nature of the pig’s stomach, which moderates its cool property, ensuring a gentle and sustained cooling effect without disturbing stomach comfort. Conversely, the pig’s stomach benefits from the clear and dispersing action of Houttuynia, making it nourishing without causing stagnation, thus supporting digestive comfort. Together, they help harmonize the Lungs and Stomach. For those seeking lung and digestive comfort, or for those with occasional internal dampness while maintaining spleen and stomach health, this medicinal dish offers a balanced support. Traditional Chinese Medicine holds that “the Spleen is the source of phlegm production, and the Lung is the container for phlegm storage.” This dish not only helps maintain lung clarity but also supports spleen vitality—a remarkable formula addressing both root and branch.

Indications

This medicinal diet is most suitable for the following five groups of people: First, long-term smokers or passive smokers—*Houttuynia cordata* (fish mint) helps maintain lung comfort and soothe occasional dry cough and throat itching. Second, individuals with occasional respiratory discomfort—taking it during non-acute phases may help strengthen respiratory resistance and maintain normal breathing. Third, those with occasional digestive sluggishness, manifesting as poor appetite, postprandial abdominal distension, and loose stools—the nourishing effect of pig stomach gradually supports the digestive function of the Middle Burner.

Fourth, for office workers under high work stress and frequent late nights leading to occasional internal heat discomfort, who often present with symptoms such as oral ulcers, recurrent acne, and dry sore throat, this dietary remedy can help maintain internal balance without overwhelming the body’s vitality. Fifth, for adolescents experiencing occasional skin concerns accompanied by sticky, unsmooth stools, consuming this dish once or twice weekly can help maintain a healthy damp-heat balance and support skin comfort.

Contraindicated Populations

First, those with a pronounced cool and deficient constitution should not consume it in excess, manifested specifically by aversion to cold, cold extremities, loose watery cold stools, and a pale puffy tongue with a white slippery coating. The slightly cool nature of Houttuynia cordata (heartleaf houttuynia) may not suit those with a naturally cool constitution; in such cases, the dosage of Houttuynia cordata can be reduced to 10 grams, and 5 slices of Zingiber officinale (ginger) and 3 pieces of Ziziphus jujuba (Chinese jujube) added to balance its nature.

Secondly, pregnant and breastfeeding women should exercise caution. Certain volatile oil components in *Houttuynia cordata* (heartleaf houttuynia) have a mild stimulating effect on uterine smooth muscle; excessive consumption may not be advisable. It is recommended to avoid it especially during early pregnancy, and during the second and third trimesters, it should only be used sparingly and occasionally under medical supervision. Thirdly, it is contraindicated in individuals allergic to *Houttuynia cordata* or pork stomach. Those with allergic constitutions may experience rashes, pruritus, or other reactions upon contact with *Houttuynia cordata* and should discontinue use immediately. Fourthly, it is unsuitable for individuals with compromised liver or kidney function, as animal offal has a high purine content, which may increase metabolic burden.

Ingredient proportions in a formula

Fresh Houttuynia cordata (Fish Mint/Yu Xing Cao) 100 g (reduce to 15 g if using dried form), 1 fresh pig stomach (approximately 500 g), fresh Ginger (Zingiber officinale) 15 g (sliced), 6 Red Dates (Ziziphus jujuba) (pitted), Goji Berries (Lycium barbarum) 10 g, Yellow Rice Wine (Shaoxing wine) 20 ml, White Pepper Powder 2 g, Salt to taste. This is a single serving for 2–3 people; adjust proportionally if increasing the number of servings.

Selection criteria: Fresh houttuynia (Houttuynia cordata) with plump stems and leaves, well-developed roots, and a strong, characteristic aroma is preferred; yellowing leaves or a faint odor indicate diminished quality. For pork stomach, choose fresh ones with a pinkish color, abundant mucus, and no off-putting odor; frozen products are inferior in both texture and nutrition. Red dates (Ziziphus jujuba) should be dried, pitted to avoid excessive warmth; goji berries (Lycium barbarum) from Ningxia, large and bright red, are considered superior.

Cooking method

Step one, cleaning the pork stomach is the key to success. Turn the pork stomach inside out, first rinse off the surface mucus with running water. Then mix 50g of flour with 30ml of white vinegar, repeatedly knead the inside and outside of the pork stomach for about 3 minutes, then rinse clean with water. Repeat this step once until the surface of the pork stomach is clean and free of slipperiness. Finally, blanch the pork stomach in boiling water for 2 minutes, remove and scrape off the white fatty membrane, cut into strips about 2 cm wide, and set aside.

Second, carefully remove the old roots and rotten leaves from Houttuynia cordata (fish mint), retaining the tender stems, leaves, and fibrous roots. Soak in light salt water for 10 minutes, then remove and rinse twice with clean water to remove any mud and sand. Slice the ginger (Zingiber officinale). Lightly soak the red dates (Ziziphus jujuba) and goji berries (Lycium barbarum) in warm water.

Step three, use a clay pot or ceramic stew pot. Place the prepared pig stomach strips, ginger slices, and Chinese dates (Ziziphus jujuba) together. Add sufficient clean water (approximately 1500 ml) and pour in yellow rice wine. Bring to a boil over high heat, skim off the foam, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer gently for 1.5 hours.

Step four, once the pig stomach is tender and soft, add the fish mint (Houttuynia cordata) and goji berries (Lycium barbarum). Continue simmering for 15 to 20 minutes, until the aroma of fish mint emerges and the soup turns milky white, then turn off the heat. Finally, sprinkle with white pepper powder (Piper nigrum) and salt to season. Serve in bowls and enjoy.

Tips for Consumption

1. Timely Consumption: The optimal times to consume this dietary tonic are from 9 to 11 AM (Si Shi, Spleen Meridian [SP] peak period) or from 5 to 7 PM (You Shi, Kidney Meridian [KI] peak period). At these times, the body’s digestive and absorptive functions are stronger, allowing for higher utilization of the herbal components. It is recommended to consume no more than twice per week, with a continuous regimen of one month as a support course.

2. Technique for Handling the “Fishy Odor” of Fresh Houttuynia cordata (fish mint): If you find its characteristic smell difficult to tolerate on first consumption, you may blanch the fresh houttuynia in boiling water for 10 seconds before adding it to the soup. This significantly reduces the fishy odor, though it will cause some loss of volatile oil components. Additionally, the white pepper powder in the soup not only seasons—its acrid-warm nature also helps support the respiratory benefits of houttuynia. Do not omit it.

3. Storage and Reheating of Leftover Soup: Any uneaten soup should be strained to remove the Houttuynia cordata (which develops a bitter taste when steeped for too long). The pork stomach and the broth should be stored separately in the refrigerator and can be kept for up to two days. When reheating, add fresh Houttuynia cordata and bring to a boil again. Avoid repeated reheating to prevent nutrient loss. Additionally, this soup should not be consumed in the same meal with cool-natured fruits (such as watermelon or pear), as this may weaken its digestive-supporting effect.