An analytical procedure was developed for the determination of four volatile components with anti-inflammatory biological activity in Houttuynia cordata Thunb. by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Four compounds (-pinene, -myrcene, 1-decanol and 2-undecanone) were selected as analytes because they are common major constituents in volatile compositions of Houttuynia cordata Thunb Anti-inflammatory efficacy in vivo suggested that the four compounds provided inhibitory effects on xylene-induced ear edema formation in a dose-dependent manner. The four compounds were determined by gas chromatography in mouse serum after oral administration of volatile oil and water distillate liquid of Houttuynia cordata Thunb Related chromatographic conditions were investigated and selected. A good separation of the four compounds and internal standard was achieved. The method reflected the quality of Houttuynia cordata Thunb. and its preparations.