Many people are unaware that Vietnamese coriander flowers and bears fruit annually on plants that are not frequently harvested. This versatile herb is not only a common ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine but also a valuable medicinal plant.
Let’s explore why Vietnamese coriander deserves a place in your home.
The Healing Properties of Vietnamese Coriander
According to traditional oriental medicine, Vietnamese coriander has a spicy, warm flavor with a distinctive aroma. It is known for its ability to dispel cold, enhance mental clarity, improve eyesight, aid digestion, and act as a natural disinfectant. When consumed raw, it helps warm the stomach, support digestion, cleanse the body, and remove coldness. Additionally, Vietnamese coriander is believed to strengthen bones and tendons while sharpening the mind and vision.
Medicinal Uses of Vietnamese Coriander
- Bloody stomach, poor digestion: Take a handful of Vietnamese coriander, wash and crush it, then extract the juice to drink. Use the remaining pulp to massage the stomach, focusing on the navel area.
- Heatstroke in summer: Crush fresh Vietnamese coriander, extract the juice, boil it, and drink it.
- Loss of appetite: Use Vietnamese coriander as a spice in meals or boil 10-20g of the whole plant and drink it after eating.
Treatment for Stomach Issues and Cold Symptoms
- Stomachache, cold stomach, vomiting, heatstroke, and thirst: Take 25-30ml of fresh red-stemmed Vietnamese coriander juice, drink twice a day.
- Ringworm, scabies, and parasitic infections: Soak the entire plant in alcohol and use it as an antiseptic. Apply the alcohol directly to affected areas or crush the plant and apply the pulp before bandaging.
- Sudden, unbearable chest pain: Boil 50g of Vietnamese coriander root, add a small cup of alcohol, and drink one serving.
- Paralysis, bruises, swelling, and pain: Crush fresh Vietnamese coriander and mix with camphor or camphor oil, then rub or bandage the affected area.
Flu and Snakebite Remedies
- Flu relief: Crush a handful of Vietnamese coriander with three slices of raw ginger, extract the juice, and drink it. Alternatively, boil 20g of Vietnamese coriander with 20g perilla, 16g Vietnamese balm, 16g Chinese skullcap, 10g Chinese chuanxiong, 10g white peony, and 10g Chinese clematis, then drink the mixture.
- Snakebite treatment: Crush a handful of Vietnamese coriander, extract the juice, and have the victim drink it immediately. Apply the remaining pulp to the wound and bandage it for best results.
Foot Infections and Precautions
- Foot infections (athlete’s foot, sores, or wounds): Crush Vietnamese coriander and apply it directly to the affected area. Alternatively, extract the juice and apply it to the painful area twice daily, keeping the wound dry to prevent further infection.
Caution When Using Vietnamese Coriander
While Vietnamese coriander is not toxic, excessive consumption can lead to negative effects. Traditional medicine practitioners warn that eating too much can cause internal heat, chills, reduced vital energy, damage to the bone marrow, and weakened sexual function. It is best to consume this herb in moderation to avoid unwanted side effects.