Houttuynia cordata specimen

Houttuynia cordata is a medicinal herb included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, sourced from the dried aboveground parts of the three white grass family plant, Houttuynia cordata. In summer, when the stems and leaves are lush and the flowers and ears are abundant, they should be harvested, removed of impurities, and dried in the sun. The stem is flattened cylindrical, twisted, and 20-35cm long; The surface is brownish yellow, with several longitudinal edges, obvious nodes, and residual fibrous roots on the lower nodes; Crispy and easy to break. Leaves grow alternately, with rolled and wrinkled leaves that flatten into a heart-shaped shape, measuring 3-5cm in length and 3-4.5cm in width; Sharp apex, entire margin; The upper surface is dark yellow green to dark brown, and the lower surface is gray green or gray brown; The petiole is slender, and the base forms a sheath like structure with the supporting leaves. When crushed, it has a fishy odor.