Vietnamese coriander, also known as water spinach or water pepper, has the scientific name Persicaria odorata. This plant thrives in hot and humid environments with minimal water. Vietnamese coriander is warm in nature, contains essential oils, has a slightly bitter and spicy taste, and is widely used in both cuisine and traditional medicine.
Health Benefits of Vietnamese Coriander in Traditional Medicine
According to Dr. Bui Duc Sang from the Hanoi Association of Traditional Medicine, Vietnamese coriander offers numerous valuable benefits. It helps relieve colds, improve blood circulation, detoxify the body, and stimulate digestion, making meals more enjoyable. Additionally, it can reduce inflammation, treat fevers, snake bites, and decrease sexual desire when consumed in large quantities over time—typically at least 0.5 kg per session. However, using it as a spice in food does not affect male libido.
Health Benefits of Vietnamese Coriander in Traditional Medicine
Usage and Dosage
Vietnamese coriander can be used fresh or dried, either alone or combined with other herbs in traditional medicine. You can crush it and extract the juice for drinking, or apply it directly to wounds. It can also be brewed into tea, whether fresh or dried. The recommended dosage is 20-30 grams per day.
Precautions When Using Vietnamese Coriander
Although Vietnamese coriander is not toxic, excessive use can harm health. Its warming properties may damage the pancreas and reduce vitality, affecting sexual desire in both men and women. Excessive consumption by women can lead to missed periods or prolonged menstruation. People with hot blood or weak constitutions should avoid eating too much. Pregnant women are advised to limit their intake to prevent miscarriage.
Remedies with Vietnamese Coriander
- For Indigestion: Crush fresh Vietnamese coriander, extract the juice, and drink it. Apply the pulp to the abdomen and gently massage, focusing on the navel area.
- For Common Cold: Mix Vietnamese coriander with ginger in a ratio of one handful of coriander to three slices of ginger. Crush them together and extract the juice for drinking. Alternatively, boil it with additional herbs like perilla, polygonum, and white芷.
- For Diarrhea Caused by Cold Exposure: Use 16 grams of dried Vietnamese coriander, combined with perilla, dry ginger, white atractylodes, cinnamon, and roasted ginger. Boil these ingredients in two cups of water until reduced to one cup, and take twice daily.
- For Hand and Foot Eczema: Apply the juice of fresh Vietnamese coriander to affected areas, keeping the skin dry.
- For Boils: Crush fresh Vietnamese coriander with a few grains of salt and apply it to boils to reduce swelling, inflammation, and infection.
Vietnamese coriander is a precious herb but must be used correctly and in appropriate amounts to avoid unwanted side effects. Always consult a healthcare professional before using it for medicinal purposes.
