Botanical atlas
Fish Mint
Houttuynia cordata
Long before it appeared in any garden catalog, fish mint was growing wild in the damp lowlands of Vietnam, southern China, Korea, and Japan, where cooks and healers treated it as one and the same plant. In traditional Chinese medicine it is called yu xing cao, the fish-smell herb, and has been used for generations to help clear heat and toxins from the body, particularly around the lungs, and to support the skin during minor irritations. In Vietnam it is rau diep ca, a everyday table herb eaten raw alongside noodles and grilled meats, valued as much for cooling the body in hot weather as for its bracing flavor. Korean and Japanese herbalists have likewise dried the leaves for centuries into a humble household tea, dokudami-cha, brewed simply to support digestion and everyday wellness.
In tradition.
Long before it appeared in any garden catalog, fish mint was growing wild in the damp lowlands of Vietnam, southern China, Korea, and Japan, where cooks and healers treated it as one and the same plant. In traditional Chinese medicine it is called yu xing cao, the fish-smell herb, and has been used for generations to help clear heat and toxins from the body, particularly around the lungs, and to support the skin during minor irritations. In Vietnam it is rau diep ca, a everyday table herb eaten raw alongside noodles and grilled meats, valued as much for cooling the body in hot weather as for its bracing flavor. Korean and Japanese herbalists have likewise dried the leaves for centuries into a humble household tea, dokudami-cha, brewed simply to support digestion and everyday wellness.
Traditional preparations.
A traditional East Asian household infusion, simple and mild, traditionally sipped after meals to support digestion.
Steep 1 teaspoon of dried fish mint leaf in 250 ml of just-boiled water for 8 to 10 minutes, then strain and drink warm.
In Vietnamese kitchens, a few fresh leaves are traditionally eaten raw alongside meals as a cooling, palate-clearing green.
Add a small handful of fresh, tender leaves to salads, spring rolls, or noodle bowls, torn just before serving.
Safety.
Fish mint is generally fine as a food, though large amounts can cause mild stomach upset in some people. Those taking blood pressure or immune-suppressing medications should be mindful of its physiological effects.
Our sister app HerbLens identifies fish mint from a photo and keeps its full botanical portrait: growing guide, harvest notes, and look-alike warnings.
View on HerbLensAsk HerbSense how fish mint is traditionally used and what to know before trying anything at home.
Ask about Fish MintHerbSense shares traditional herbal knowledge for education, not diagnosis or treatment. Herbs can interact with medicines and conditions. Speak with your doctor before acting on anything here, and seek care promptly for anything severe, sudden, or worsening.