Introduction
cordate houttuynia, which is also called chlameleon or rainbow plant, is grown as a leaf vegetable, particularly in E. Asia-China, Japan, Himalayas. As the leaf has an unusual taste, it is often described as "fishy" and the Chinese name is Yuxingcao.
Houttuynia cordata is a perennial growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. In the southwestern Chinese provinces of Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan, the roots are used as a root vegetable and are known as. The leaves are also consumed because they taste unique and play the important role in the traditional Chinese medicines.
Medicinal value
The leaves and stems are harvested during the growing season. The leaf juice is antidote and astringent. A root extract is diuretic and also said to be used in medicinal preparations for certain diseases of women. It is also effective on the treatment of stomach ulcers.
In fact, the whole plant is used in folk medicines because it is anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, depurative, diuretic, febrifuge, laxative ophthalmic etc. for example, the Chinese herbal medicine Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill, containing Houttuynia cordata , works to eliminate inflammation, kill bacteria, clear heat, eliminate toxins and promote blood circulation etc. it has the remarkable effect on male urinary and reproductive system diseases like prostatitis and chlamydia.
Besides, it is used internally in the treatment of many ailments including cancer, coughs, dysentery, enteritis and fever. Its use is said to strengthen what is more, Houttuynia cordata has the effect on snake bites and skin disorders.
Recently, it has been suggested that it might have anti-obesity properties.
Edible value
The leaves and young shoots of Houttuynia cordata are harvested in the spring when they are about 8cm long. Some people think it is strongly aromatic while others say that it is rather smelly and somewhat like rotten fish. Young shoots and leaves can be eaten directly or cooked as a pot-herb. Because the leaves have a special smell, it is often used as a marvellous flavouring in salads. Besides, the fruit is a capsule that contains many small seeds.
