Houttuynia cordata

Other names: heartleaf quiver, fish mint, chameleon, houtonia, hotonya, fish mint, Yu xing cao, Dokudami, Rau giap ca, Gymnotheca chinensis

Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)

The heart quiver, also known as heart quiver, fish mint, chameleon, houtonia, hotonya, fish mint, Yu xing cao, Dokudami, Rau giap ca or Gymnotheca chinensis, is an exceptional plant with worldwide significance. It is an evergreen plant belonging to the ginger family and is considered one of the most important medicinal plants in traditional Chinese medicine. Its distribution is widespread all over the world, but the real home of the heart quiver is in Asia, specifically in areas of East Asia such as Japan, Thailand and China. Its distinctive features are its heart-shaped leaves and strikingly bright flowers.

The plant is used in various fields. In particular, it is used in gastronomy and medicine. In the kitchen, the plant is often used in traditional Vietnamese, Chinese or Japanese cuisine for its specific fishy taste. However, its main use is in medicine. It is mainly used as a remedy for bronchitis, pneumonia and coughs, but also for acne, eczema and psoriasis. Especially in Chinese medicine, it is considered a powerful antibiotic and is widely used to treat various types of infections. Its healing effects are so strong that it is also used in cosmetics. For example, extracts of heart quiver are added to creams, face masks and shampoos to regenerate the skin and hair. The plant is also popular for its decorative appearance and is often used in the horticultural industry as an ornamental plant.