When it comes to traditional herbs, fish mint (Houttuynia cordata) is often recognized for its distinctive fishy-smelling leaves, commonly used in salads, herbal drinks, and folk remedies. But did you know that its roots—often ignored or thrown away—are just as, if not more, beneficial?

In fact, in many rural areas across Asia, fish mint roots are affectionately called “ginseng for the poor.” They grow abundantly in damp soil, spreading like wild grass, but beneath the surface lies a powerful herbal treasure.

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1. A Forgotten Root with Powerful Healing Properties

While the leaves are known for cooling the body and detoxifying the liver, the roots of fish mint are packed with medicinal compounds that support:

• Kidney and urinary health – promoting detoxification and reducing inflammation

• Respiratory function – clearing phlegm and easing congestion

• Anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects – helping fight off common infections

In traditional medicine, fish mint root is often used as a natural antibiotic and a mild diuretic. It's especially valued in clearing internal heat, a concept in Eastern medicine linked to inflammation and disease.

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2. Nature’s Remedy Growing Right Under Our Feet

What makes fish mint root so amazing is that it grows freely and easily—you'll find it in village gardens, near ponds, and along fence lines in the countryside. Yet most people harvest only the leaves, overlooking the roots entirely.

Locals in some regions still dig up the roots, wash them, and boil them into healing teas or dry them for medicinal powders. For generations, it has been used to:

• Treat fevers

• Support urinary tract health

• Relieve digestive issues

• Help reduce swelling and infections

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3. How to Use Fish Mint Roots at Home

You don’t need to be a traditional healer to benefit from this plant. Here are a few simple ways to use the root:

• Boil a handful of cleaned roots in water and drink it as a tea to cool the body and aid digestion.

• Crush fresh roots and apply externally for minor skin inflammation or swelling.

• Dry and grind the roots into powder for long-term storage and easy use.

Note: Always clean thoroughly and avoid harvesting from polluted areas.

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4. A Priceless Medicine for the Poor — and the Smart

While it might not come in shiny packaging or cost hundreds of dollars like imported supplements, fish mint root is a powerful, time-tested remedy that many modern people are only now beginning to rediscover.

In today’s world of expensive health trends, the idea of “ginseng for the poor” might sound humble—but don’t be fooled. Sometimes, the most valuable medicine is growing right beneath your feet.