Is Houttuynia cordata edible?

November 30, 2025 •

3 min read

First used in traditional Chinese medicine thousands of years ago, the herb Houttuynia cordata is widely consumed as both food and medicine in many Asian countries. Its status in the culinary world, however, is complicated by its polarizing, distinct fish-like aroma and flavor.

Quick Summary

Yes, Houttuynia cordata is edible, especially in Asian cuisines where its leaves and roots are used raw in salads or cooked. However, its strong, fishy flavor is an acquired taste, and caution is advised for high-dose medicinal use due to reported toxicities in some preparations.

Key Points

Edible Status: Yes, Houttuynia cordata is edible, with both leaves and rhizomes consumed in various Asian cuisines.
Acquired Taste: It has a very distinct, often described as 'fishy,' flavor and aroma that is not universally appealing and can be polarizing.
Traditional Uses: The herb has a long history in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties.
Potential Risks: High-dose medicinal use, especially injections, has been linked to severe allergic reactions and liver/kidney toxicity in animal studies.
Culinary Safety: For general culinary purposes, consuming the herb is considered safe, but individuals should be aware of its oxalate content and potential sensitivity.
Invasive Potential: Gardeners should be cautious, as the plant spreads aggressively via rhizomes and can become difficult to control.

Edibility and Culinary Traditions

Houttuynia cordata, also known as fish mint, heartleaf, or chameleon plant, has a long history of culinary use across Asia. Its leaves, stems, and rhizomes are used in various dishes. In southwestern China, the rhizome is a popular vegetable. Vietnamese cuisine uses the leaves (diếp cá) as a garnish, while Japanese and Korean cuisine utilize dried leaves for herbal teas.

The Unique Flavor Profile

The plant is characterized by a strong, pungent flavor and aroma, often described as fishy when crushed. This is attributed to volatile oils, including decanoyl acetaldehyde. The flavor is polarizing, with some enjoying its spicy, peppery, or citrusy notes, while others find it unpleasant. Rhizomes tend to have a less intense fishy taste. Trying small amounts in cooked dishes or salads can help acclimate the palate.

Potential Health Benefits and Traditional Uses

Beyond culinary uses, Houttuynia cordata has traditional medicinal applications.

Traditional Medicinal Applications

The plant has shown potential antiviral and antibacterial effects. Extracts were noted for reducing lung inflammation during the 2003 SARS outbreak. Research also indicates anti-inflammatory properties, with traditional uses for conditions like pneumonia. Rich in bioactive compounds, it may support the immune system and is traditionally used to "dispel heat and toxins".

Phytochemicals and Nutrients

The plant contains flavonoids like quercetin and rutin, providing antioxidant activity. Volatile oils contribute to its aroma and antimicrobial effects. It also contains vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, potassium, iron, and zinc.

Safety Considerations and Side Effects

While culinary use is generally safe, caution is advised for high-dose or intravenous use.

Potential Toxicity: High-dose animal studies have shown potential liver and kidney toxicity. While some aristolactams are present, the highly toxic Aristolochic acids I and II are generally not found in significant amounts. Medicinal use should be supervised by a healthcare provider.
Allergic Reactions: Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported with injections of Houttuynia extract.
Oxalate Content: The plant contains oxalates, so those on a low-oxalate diet should be cautious.
Invasive Potential: The chameleon plant is highly invasive and spreads aggressively via rhizomes.

Culinary Preparation Tips

Start with Small Amounts: Begin with a few leaves and adjust to taste.
Pair with Strong Flavors: It complements chili, garlic, lime, and fish sauce.
Use Fresh: Add chopped leaves to salads just before serving.
Cook Briefly: Add leaves towards the end of cooking.
Prepare as Tea: Dried leaves can be steeped for a milder introduction.

Houttuynia cordata vs. Cilantro


Feature	Houttuynia cordata (Fish Mint)	Cilantro (Coriander Leaf)
Flavor Profile	Strong, fishy, peppery, pungent; distinctive and polarizing.	Fresh, citrusy, slightly peppery; can taste soapy to some.
Common Uses	Eaten raw or cooked, used as garnish; roots also consumed.	Used as a fresh garnish, in salsas, and various cuisines; leaves and seeds used differently.
Traditional Role	Culinary herb and traditional medicine (anti-inflammatory, antiviral, detoxifying).	Culinary uses; traditional uses include digestive aid.
Growth Habit	Highly invasive perennial spreading via rhizomes.	Annual plant, not considered invasive.

Conclusion: A Culinary and Medicinal Herb with Important Caveats

Houttuynia cordata is an edible herb with a significant role in Asian culinary traditions. Its strong flavor is distinctive. While offering potential health benefits from traditional use and phytochemicals, caution is necessary with concentrated medicinal preparations, especially intravenous ones, due to risks of severe adverse reactions. Its invasive nature is a consideration for gardeners. For general culinary use, it is safe, but medicinal applications require professional guidance.

For more information on managing this plant, refer to resources like the Global Invasive Species Database.

Frequently Asked Questions

The flavor of Houttuynia cordata is described as pungent and peppery, with a distinctive 'fishy' or coriander-like aroma when the leaves are crushed. This unique taste is an acquired preference.

Yes, the chameleon plant is another common name for Houttuynia cordata, and it is edible. The variegated 'Chameleon' cultivar is sometimes used, but the plain green species is more commonly consumed culinarily.

When consumed as a food in moderate culinary amounts, side effects are rare, though its strong taste can cause digestive discomfort in some. High-dose medicinal preparations, especially injections, have shown more significant risks, including allergic reactions.

In traditional medicine, it is used for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. It has also been used to treat respiratory infections, digestive issues, and skin disorders.

Studies have found potentially toxic aristolactam compounds, particularly in concentrated extracts, but analyses have generally not detected the highly nephrotoxic Aristolochic acids I and II, often confusingly associated with aristolactams, in the plant itself.

The leaves, stems, and rhizomes (underground roots) of Houttuynia cordata are all edible. Leaves are commonly used fresh in salads, while roots are used as a vegetable or seasoning.

Yes, it is considered a highly invasive plant due to its vigorous growth and ability to spread aggressively through underground rhizomes. It can be difficult to remove once established in a garden.

To mellow its strong flavor, it can be used in cooked dishes or paired with other powerful flavors like chili, garlic, and vinegar. Use it fresh in small quantities or consider making a herbal tea from the dried leaves.