Giâp cá

Giâp cá

This genus consists of a single species of perennials, found in damo, shady places in woodland and marshes in E Asia. Houttuynia cordata is widely grown as an ornamental for wet soils and shallow water; it makes and excellent, if sometimes invasive, groundcover. The whole plant has an unusual orange-cilantro aroma. There are two distinct chemotypes: one with an orange scent; and the other resembling cilantro leaves in aroma. Houttuynia is popular in the folk medicine of Japan and Vietnam. Apparently, survivors of the Hiroshima atom bomb who drank tea made from the plant, recuperated well from the effects of radioactivity and lived longer than expected. It is name after Maarten Houttuyn (1720-94), a celebrated Dutch physician and naturalist.

Rhizomatous, deciduous, strongly aromatic perennial with erect, branched stems and ovate to heart-shaped, pointed, dull green, often purple-flushed leaves, 3-9cm (1¼-3½in) long. Tiny yellow-green flowers are borne in summer in dense spikes, to 3cm (1¼in) long, surrounded at the base by 4-6 white, obovate, petal-like bracts.

Common Name:	Giâp cá
Other Names:	Doku-dami
Botanical Name:	Houttuynia cordata
Genus:	Houttuynia
Family:	Saururaceae
Native Location:	China and Japan
Cultivation:	Moist to wet, rich soil, or shallow water in sun or partial shade.
Propagation:	By seed sown when ripe (species only); by division in spring; by softwood cuttings in late spring.
Harvest:	Whole plants and leaves are cut in the growing season and used fresh for decoctions.
Height:	15-30cm (6-12in)
Width:	Indefinite.
Variations:	Chameleon syn. Tricolor Has leaves irregularly marked yellow and bright pink. Flore Pleno syn. Plena Has 8 or more white bracts, giving the impression of double flowers.
Hardiness:	Z6-10
Parts Used:	Whole plant, leaves (yu xing cao)
Properties:	A pungent, cooling herb that is aromatic and diuretic, clears fevers and toxins, and reduces swelling.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally, in traditional Chinese medicine, for upper respiratory tract infections and for inflammation of the urinary tract. Externally for snakebite and skin disorders. In Vietnamese folk medicine, internally for kidney and urinary tract infections, mastitis, otitis media, hemorrhoids, and anal prolapse; externally (as crushed leaves) for urticaria, conjunctivitis, and abscesses.
Culinary Uses:	Leaves are used in Vietnamese cuisine as a garnish for fish stew and boiled duck eggs; also eaten raw in parts of China.
Bibliography:	Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 237