Wild vegetable found along rice fields and ponds is a precious herb that supports the treatment of various diseases, particularly beneficial for people with diabetes.
Fish Mint (also known as Houttuynia cordata) is a well-known herb in Vietnam. This plant typically grows along the edges of rice fields, ponds, or in moist soil. It is a fragrant herb that is loved by many.
Most parts of the Fish Mint plant contain essential oils and a variety of chemical components such as decanoyl acetaldehyde, methyl-n-nonyketo, calcium sulfate, quercitrin, hyperin, myrcene, capric acid, reynountrin, calcium chloride, afzefin, rutin, isoquercitrin, camphene, limonene, stearic acid, and oleic acid. According to traditional Chinese medicine, Fish Mint has a sour taste, a slightly cold nature, and is known for its ability to clear heat, stop coughing, expel phlegm, promote urination, and reduce swelling, making it useful for treating various ailments.
In Japan, Fish Mint is highly favored and is commonly made into a famous detox tea. The Japanese Fish Mint tea is made from 100% dried Fish Mint without any preservatives, ensuring it is very safe.
Many Japanese people trust this tea as a secret to clear heat, detoxify, reduce inflammation, improve skin health, and enhance longevity.
Fish Mint has a distinct fishy odor that can be unpleasant for many. However, those who can tolerate this unique smell find it to be a very beneficial herb for health.
Fish Mint is a well-known herb in Vietnam.
1. Blood Sugar Regulation
Fish Mint contains anti-diabetic compounds and plays a role in controlling and stabilizing blood sugar levels in the body. Additionally, Fish Mint is rich in fiber and vitamin B, which helps reduce homocysteine, thereby effectively stabilizing blood sugar levels. Many doctors recommend that diabetic patients add Fish Mint to their daily meals or regularly consume it as juice.
2. Heat Cleansing and Detoxification
In traditional Chinese medicine, Fish Mint has a cooling nature and a slightly bitter taste, making it effective for clearing heat, detoxifying, reducing inflammation, and treating internal heat.
Fish Mint contains antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties, so regular consumption can help reduce inflammation in acne-prone skin. If experiencing inflamed acne, you can wash the Fish Mint leaves, crush them, and create a mask mixture. The cooling and anti-inflammatory properties of Fish Mint help reduce swelling and pain in acne. Regularly applying Fish Mint can also help minimize dark spots caused by acne.
Fish Mint contains antibiotic, anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in acne-prone skin.
3. Body Detoxification
Fish Mint contains two active compounds, Quercetin and isoquercitrin, which help eliminate toxins from the body. With its slightly cold property, Fish Mint assists in cooling the liver and detoxifying, providing a comfortable and healthier feeling. Therefore, many people love drinking juice made from Fish Mint to cleanse their bodies, especially during hot summer days.
4. Weight Loss Support
The distinctive fishy taste of Fish Mint may deter many from trying it. However, this herb can help control weight and maintain a slim figure effectively. Vitamins A and C, along with minerals found in Fish Mint, boost metabolic processes and release energy efficiently. Moreover, the high fiber content in Fish Mint keeps individuals feeling full longer, reduces calorie absorption, and effectively limits weight gain.
Using Fish Mint for weight loss is a safe and economical method, but it requires patience. Additionally, the taste of Fish Mint may be unappealing to some, making it not suitable for everyone who wishes to use this economical weight loss method.
5. Immune System Boost
With its fiber, vitamins, and minerals, Fish Mint effectively enhances the body’s immune system. According to various studies, the components of Fish Mint stimulate the production of lymphocytes, significantly boosting the body’s resistance.
People of all ages can consume Fish Mint or drink its juice to supplement nutrients and strengthen their immune system. Including this herb in your daily diet helps promote a healthy body brimming with energy.
6. Eye Health
Fish Mint contains zeaxanthin—a compound beneficial for improving vision. Zeaxanthin has antioxidant properties that can help prevent cataracts. Therefore, consuming Fish Mint daily can help you maintain bright and healthy eyes.
Daily consumption of Fish Mint can help you have bright, healthy eyes.
Precautions When Using Fish Mint
Thoroughly wash to ensure hygiene.
Fish Mint grows in moist areas, making it susceptible to parasites. Therefore, you need to wash it thoroughly, using diluted salt water for disinfection before consumption. It is best to use Fish Mint from a clear source to ensure hygiene.
Can cause stomach discomfort and diarrhea.
Fish Mint has a cold nature, which is beneficial for treating constipation and hemorrhoids. However, for individuals with a cold constitution, prone to cold extremities, and pregnant women, Fish Mint can easily cause diarrhea and stomach discomfort. These individuals should avoid consuming Fish Mint.
Additionally, it is advisable to consume Fish Mint in moderation, around 20-40g per day, and to limit intake on an empty stomach to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort or stomach pain.
May affect kidney function.
Fish Mint also has a diuretic effect; excessive consumption may lead to increased urination compared to normal levels. Therefore, if using Fish Mint for medicinal purposes or as food, it is important to consume it in adequate amounts and at reasonable intervals to avoid affecting kidney function.
