Houttuynia cordata, commonly known as fish mint or chameleon plant, has been a staple in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. This herb, with its unique fish-like aroma, has recently gained popularity in the West as a health-promoting tea. Let’s dive into the world of houttuynia cordata tea and explore its potential benefits.
What is Houttuynia Cordata Tea?
Houttuynia cordata tea is an herbal infusion made from the leaves of the houttuynia cordata plant. This perennial herb is native to Southeast Asia and has been used in traditional medicine practices for its purported healing properties.
The tea is known by various names across different cultures:
- Fish mint tea (due to its distinctive aroma)
- Chameleon plant tea
- Chinese lizard tail tea
Fun fact: The plant’s scientific name “houttuynia” is derived from the Dutch botanist Martinus Houttuyn, who first described it in the 18th century.
How is Houttuynia Cordata Tea Prepared?
Making houttuynia cordata tea is a straightforward process:
- Gather fresh or dried houttuynia cordata leaves (15-30 grams).
- Rinse the leaves thoroughly.
- Bring 500ml of water to a boil.
- Add the leaves to the boiling water.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it steep for another 5 minutes.
- Strain and serve.
Remember, less is more when it comes to brewing time. Prolonged boiling can cause the essential oils to evaporate, potentially reducing the tea’s efficacy.
Health benefits
While more research is needed to confirm its effects, traditional use and some studies suggest that houttuynia cordata tea may offer several health benefits:
1. Anti-inflammatory Properties
The tea is believed to have potent anti-inflammatory effects, which may help alleviate various inflammatory conditions1.
2. Immune System Support
Some studies indicate that compounds in houttuynia cordata might boost the immune system2, potentially helping the body fight off infections.
3. Respiratory Health
Traditionally used to treat respiratory issues, the tea might help with conditions like bronchitis and pneumonia. As my grandmother used to say, “A cup of fish mint tea keeps the cough at bay!”3
4. Detoxification
The tea is thought to support the body’s natural detoxification processes, particularly in the liver and kidneys4.
5. Antioxidant Effects
Like many herbal teas, houttuynia cordata tea is rich in antioxidants, which may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals5.
- Houttuynia Cordata Benefits for Skin: Research Survey
- Houttuynia Cordata Extract: What It Is, Benefits, and Risks
- Yu Xing Cao (Fish Mint): What It Is, Benefits, and Risks
Possible Side Effects and Precautions
While houttuynia cordata tea is generally considered safe, it’s not without potential side effects67:
- Digestive issues: Some people may experience stomach discomfort or diarrhea.
- Cold nature: In traditional Chinese medicine, the herb is considered “cold” in nature. People with weak digestive systems should consume it in moderation.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There’s insufficient evidence regarding its safety during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It’s best to consult a healthcare professional before use.
The Bottom Line
Houttuynia cordata tea, with its unique flavor profile and potential health benefits, is certainly an intriguing addition to the world of herbal teas. While it’s been used for centuries in traditional medicine, more research is needed to fully understand its effects on human health.
As with any herbal remedy, it’s wise to approach it with a balance of curiosity and caution. If you’re thinking of making this tea a regular part of your routine, it’s always a good idea to chat with your healthcare provider first.
Remember, a cup of tea can be a delightful ritual, but it’s not a miracle cure. As my old biology teacher used to quip, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!” So, enjoy your houttuynia cordata tea, but keep your expectations grounded in reality.
- Li W, Zhou P, Zhang Y, et al. Houttuynia cordata, a novel and selective COX-2 inhibitor with anti-inflammatory activity[J]. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2011, 133(2): 922-927. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874110007580 ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8619134/ ↩︎
- https://www.vghtc.gov.tw/UnitPage/UnitContentView?WebMenuID=8d0ec3cf-23b7-4a2e-b2d7-48a7bd480e4c&UnitDefaultTemplate=1 ↩︎
- Kim K M, Shim S M. Nicotine detoxification of rutin, quercitrin, and chlorogenic acid isolated from Houttuynia cordata by reducing reactive oxygen species and inducing conversion from nicotine to cotinine[J]. Journal of the Korean Society for Applied Biological Chemistry, 2014, 57: 503-509. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13765-014-4182-1 ↩︎
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814609005196 ↩︎
- https://www.fwd.com.hk/zh/blog/health/houttuynia-cordata/ ↩︎
- https://www.commonhealth.com.tw/article/88683 ↩︎
