1. Purslane: The Underrated Roadside Green
Often overlooked, purslane is a low-growing, succulent plant with a creeping habit, sometimes considered a weed. However, in traditional Eastern medicine, purslane is prized for its cooling properties, offering detoxification and anti-inflammatory benefits, especially for those suffering from internal heat, boils, or dysentery.

Key Benefits:
- Rich in omega-3, promoting heart health
- Powerful antioxidant properties for glowing skin
- Aids digestion and cools the body
Culinary Suggestions:
- Stir-fried purslane with garlic
- Sour purslane soup with fish
- Boiled purslane dipped in fermented shrimp paste
2. Centella Asiatica: Nature’s Tonic for Liver and Skin
Key Benefits:
- Detoxifies the liver and cools the blood
- Enhances memory and improves blood circulation
- Promotes wound healing and combats acne
Culinary Suggestions:
- Refreshing chilled Centella Asiatica juice
- Centella Asiatica salad with beef
- Centella Asiatica and shrimp soup

3. Thick-leaved Mint: Nature’s Antibiotic
Also known as thick-leaved mint or lemon basil, this herb is commonly found in rural gardens. It is traditionally used to effectively treat coughs and sore throats.
Key Benefits:
- Powerful antibacterial and expectorant properties
- Reduces cough, soothes inflamed tonsils
- Fever reducer and lung tonic
Culinary Suggestions:
- Steam thick-leaved mint with rock sugar to treat coughs
- Roll tender leaves with meat in rice paper for a refreshing bite
- Pound the leaves and strain the juice to drink as a natural cough remedy
4. Water Dropwort: Cooling and Anti-inflammatory
Water dropwort has a distinctive aroma that may be off-putting to some. However, when prepared correctly, it becomes a natural remedy with numerous health benefits.
Key Benefits:
- Diuretic and cooling properties
- Detoxifies the liver and combats inflammation
- Relieves constipation and mild hemorrhoids
Culinary Suggestions:
- Enjoy water dropwort raw with a dipping sauce
- Juice water dropwort for a refreshing liver tonic
- Prepare a water dropwort and shrimp salad for a cooling treat
5. Bitter Herb: Unique Flavor, Surprising Benefits
Bitter herb, with its distinctive bitter taste, is a wild herb often found growing near rice fields or home gardens. It is a delicacy in many parts of Western Vietnam.
Key Benefits:
- Detoxifies and cools the body
- Lowers blood sugar levels
- Improves digestion and promotes bile secretion
- Bitter herb hot pot with fish
- Stir-fried bitter herb with beef
- Boiled bitter herb dipped in spicy shrimp sauce