This native to Southeast Asia is used as a leaf vegetable and also grown for its colorful foliage as an ornamental.
Fish Mint (aka. The Chameleon Plant, Rainbow Plant; Houttuynia cordata) spreads like an ivy, mounding to about 3 feet tall and wide and displays heart shaped alternate leaves that are green or with various variegations depending on the variety—the most common being the ‘Chameleon’ variety.
Strangely, this plant has what is normally described as a ‘fish-like’ smell and flavor, yet I would describe it as metallic. It is used as a fresh garnish, like a spice, and enjoyed in some Asian cuisines.
Fish Mint has also been long used in traditional Chinese medicine, as well as widely known for its medicinal properties though diverse Indian and Asian cultures.
Mostly it has been used for its anti-inflammatory activity, respiratory health, stomach ulcers and muscular strains, among other traditional uses.
Through scientific investigation Fish Mint has been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities and anti- SARS-associated coronavirus activity. Fish Mint has also been found to inhibit herpes simplex virus through NF-kB activation.
In a recent randomized, double-blind clinical study, Fish Mint administered with three other herbs was found to significantly decrease both inflammatory and non-inflammatory skin lesions and be beneficial for patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris.
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**This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.
Fish Mint
