LAKSA LEAF PLANT (Persicaria odorata) or Vietnamese Mint, also known as Vietnamese Coriander or Hot Mint
LAKSA LEAF PLANT (Persicaria odorata) or Vietnamese Mint, also known as Vietnamese Coriander or Hot Mint is actually not related to the Mint family at all! It is a perennial herb from the family Polygonoaceae. Its common name is due to its general appearance and fragrance, which are reminiscent of mint. In Southeast Asian cooking, Vietnamese mint is often used interchangeably with mint and coriander.
🌷THE PLANT
It is a herbaceous plant less than a meter tall. It has aromatic lance shaped simple leaves with smooth margins. Leaves are green with red markings. The margins and veins are lined with long hairs. The stem is red and grooved. The white to purplish-pink flowers are arranged in a spike inflorescence.These mature into triangular shaped fruits, about 1.5 mm long.
🌷CULTIVATION
This species grows best in well-drained fertile loamy soil that is kept consistently moist. It can also be grow indoors in a sunny windowsill. Itcan be propagated by seed or stem cuttings.
🌷CULINARY USES
In Singapore, the leaves are used to add flavour to the popular laksa dish (a spicy noodle soup in a coconut milk or sour asam base). This herb is especially popular in Vietnamese cuisine where it is added to salads, seafood, duck eggs, and turtle/ frog dishes. The flavour has been described as a blend of lemon and coriander with a radish aftertaste.
🌷HEALTH BENEFITS
🌿AIDS DIGESTION
The reason why this herb is used extensively in soups and salads in South Eastern countries is because it helps solve digestion issues like flatulence, stomach cramps and indigestion. Vietnamese Mint has anti-diarrheal actions as well.
🌿DIURETIC
Its diuretic properties also make it a great way to detoxify the body, cleansing the liver of various toxic substances.
🌿SNAKE BITE TREATMENT
The juice of the leaves is taken internally to treat snake bites.
🌿ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES
Due to its anti-inflammatory and astringent nature, Vietnamese Mint is used to treat swellings and skin issues like acne and sores. Essential oils which are derived from the leaves are used for their powerful antioxidant properties. This is one of the powerful herbs that can be used against bacteria such as Escherichia coli.
🌿ANTI-FUNGAL
Laksa leaves essential oil is useful in treatment of dandruff, Athlete’s Foot, Ringworm and Scabies.
🌷OTHER USES
Traditionally, in Vietnam, the herb is believed to repress sexual urges. Many Buddhist monks grow Vietnamese mint in their private gardens and eat it frequently, believing it helps them remain celibate
🌷 ETYMOLOGY
Genus name comes from the Latin persica meaning peach-like and sagittata meaning barbed or arrow-shaped in reference to the shape of the leaves. Species name odorata refers to the aromatic nature of the plant.
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