About Fish Mint
- Description
- Plant Profile: Fish Mint is an herbal plant renowned for its medicinal qualities, characterized by broad leaves and grown on the ground.
- Scientific Identity: Known scientifically as Houttuynia cordata
- Other names: Bishop’s Weed, Chinese Lizard Tail, Fish Wort, Fish Leaf, Rainbow Plant, and Chameleon Plant.
- In Meghalaya, it is called ja mardoh.
- In Manipur, it is called tokning-khok.
- Misleading Name: Despite its name associating it with mint, Fish Mint doesn’t belong to the mint family. Nevertheless, it shares the vigorous spreading trait akin to mint.
- Historical Medicinal Significance
- Ancient Medicinal Roots: Fish Mint’s medicinal properties and benefits have historical documentation in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine, as well as Ayurveda and Siddha practices.
- Habitat
- Natural Habitat: Fish Mint’s native habitat spans the Himalayan foothills, extending through Southeast Asia, China, Korea, and Japan.
- Preferred Conditions: Thriving in wet locales, it exhibits resilience even when partially submerged in water.
- Distinct Characteristics:
- This herb boasts stunning white flowers and broad, heart-shaped leaves, contradicting its fish-like taste and aroma that inspired its name.
- Physical Attributes and Growth Patterns
- Appearance: Growing up to 2 to 3 feet in height with a spread of 3 feet, it features climbing tender vines, with stems ranging from medium to light green and dark to medium green leaves.
- Invasive Nature: Regenerating from fragile underground rhizomes, Fish Mint is considered invasive, easily giving rise to new plants when disturbed.
- Medicinal and Culinary Uses
- Medicinal Applications: Valued for its medicinal properties, Fish Mint treats digestive issues, insect bites, fevers, coughs, influenza, kidney ailments, and various other health conditions.
- Culinary Significance: Its leaves are an essential ingredient in many Asian cuisines, used as a fresh herb or vegetable, while even the root of Fish Mint finds culinary utility.
