1Water Pennywort – A Medicinal Herb with Multiple Health Benefits
Water pennywort, also known as “fish mint,” “whole leaf,” or “fish fragrance herb,” is an herbaceous plant with medicinal properties. It has an upright tree trunk and prefers damp areas with small roots growing on its segments and underground roots. The leaves of water pennywort are heart-shaped and pointed, while the flowers are small and pale yellow. It has a distinct fishy odor that may be unpleasant to some.
- Scientific name: Houttuynia cordata Thunb.
- According to traditional medicine research, water pennywort has a cold nature, sour taste, and a spicy and fishy smell.
Benefits of Water Pennywort
Water pennywort offers numerous health benefits, including:
- Herbal antibiotics: Water pennywort contains decanoyl-acetaldehyde, which has antibiotic properties. It can inhibit the growth of bacteria like streptococcus, staphylococcus, golden staph, and E.coli.
- Treating gynecological diseases and enhancing reproductive health: Water pennywort contains Folate and vitamin B, which can help prevent gynecological diseases, regulate menstrual periods, and improve reproductive health in women. It can also assist in the treatment of male erectile dysfunction by stimulating blood circulation to the penis.
- Treating digestive-related diseases: Water pennywort contains quercitrin, which has diuretic properties, and dioxy-flavonon, which can help treat hemorrhoids.
In addition, water pennywort has other uses such as strengthening blood vessels, blood purification, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, heat-clearing, treating fever in children, treating breast pain caused by milk stagnation in women, and treating pus acne.
2Remedies using Water Pennywort
Water pennywort offers numerous remedies for various health conditions. Here are some notable remedies:
Lowering fever in children
To reduce fever in children, you can use water pennywort in the following ways:
- Use 30 grams of fresh water pennywort, clean and crush it. Boil the crushed leaves, remove the dregs, let it cool down, and have the child drink it. You can also apply the leaf residue to the child’s temples to reduce fever.
- Alternatively, use 15 grams of water pennywort and 12 grams of small hawthorn leaves. Brew and drink the mixture twice a day after meals for fever relief.
Supporting the treatment of hemorrhoids
Water pennywort can be used to support the treatment of hemorrhoids due to its cooling nature and anti-inflammatory properties. You can use it in the following ways:
- Boil fresh water pennywort, steam it, and soak it in warm water. Apply the dregs to the anus area for about 5 minutes.
- You can also consume raw water pennywort as a vegetable in your meals.
Supporting the treatment of constipation and indigestion
Water pennywort can be used to support the treatment of constipation and indigestion. Here are two methods:
- Dry stir-fry water pennywort, boil it with water, let it cool down, and drink it.
- Stir-fry water pennywort, soak it in water for 10 minutes, and drink it as a tea substitute for 10 days.
Treating irregular menstruation
Water pennywort can be used to treat irregular menstruation. Here’s how to use it:
- Take water pennywort and mugwort leaves, crush them, boil, and drink the mixture gradually throughout the day for 5 days, twice a day.
Supporting the treatment of kidney stones
Water pennywort is beneficial for digestion and can help dissolve and remove small kidney stones. Here are two ways to use it:
- Using a mixture of water pennywort, Chinese licorice, and wandering jew.
- Boiling water pennywort and drinking the water every day as a tea substitute.
Treating cough
Water pennywort has antibiotic properties and can effectively treat coughs. Here’s how to use it:
- Boil water pennywort with rice washing water, filter it, and drink the water with a little salt twice a day.
Preventing acne and anti-aging
Water pennywort has anti-inflammatory properties and can prevent acne and signs of aging. Here are three ways to use it:
- Apply water pennywort leaves mixed with salt as a mask for the skin.
- Mix water pennywort leaves with honey as a face mask.
- Apply water pennywort leaves directly to pus acne for 30 minutes.
Treating swollen, painful breasts due to milk stagnation
Water pennywort can be used to treat swollen and painful breasts caused by milk stagnation. Here’s how to use it:
- Brew dried water pennywort and Chinese torrey apple fruits and drink the mixture for 3-5 days.
3Notes to Consider when Using Water Pennywort
While water pennywort has many potential health benefits, the following points should be considered:
- Choose fresh water pennywort for optimal results.
- Clean and soak the water pennywort in saltwater before use to prevent contamination and parasitic infection.
- Use water pennywort remedies within the recommended dosage and seek advice from traditional medicine doctors if needed.
- Maintain a balanced diet while using water pennywort remedies.
- Learn about the benefits of water pennywort before using it for treatment and ensure it is suitable for specific conditions:
For example, water pennywort is effective in treating inflammatory acne and swollen red acne but has no effect on comedones and blackheads. Overusing water pennywort for facial masks can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and prone to darkening. It is also essential to consult a doctor when using water pennywort remedies for cough, especially for children under 6 months old. Pay attention to any abnormal symptoms and consult a doctor if needed.
We hope that the above information has provided you with a better understanding of water pennywort and its various remedies for different health conditions.
References and information source: thaythuocvietnam.vn and suckhoadoisong.vn