Vietnamese Mint

Botanical name: Persicaria odorata

Life cycle: Perennial

Height: 30-40 cm

Position: Full sun / part shade

Soil preference: Moist / well drained

Description

Vietnamese mint (also known as Vietnamese coriander) is a creeping, herbaceous perennial that grows 30-40 cm high, however it can grow up to 80cm in ideal conditions. While not a member of the mint family, it does have some resemblance to mints in its appearance and growth habits. The green pointed leaves have red markings on the upper surface. The leaves are aromatic and taste similar to coriander having a hot, peppery flavour. In warmer areas the plant produces small pink flowers on small stalks.

Uses

Culinary – Vietnamese mint is popular in Asian cuisine, like rice, meat, poultry, and curry dishes where it can be added during cooking. It is also used fresh in rice paper rolls and salads or served alongside spring rolls together with lettuce and dipping sauce.

Medicinal –Medicinally, Vietnamese mint has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer compounds. Externally, the crushed leaves can be applied to treat fever, vomiting, and ringworm.  It can also be used as a soothing tea and in steam baths to improve skin condition. Other traditional uses of Vietnamese mint include treatments to reduce fever, reduce swellings as an anti-inflammatory for wounds, to improve acne, reduce nausea, aid digestion, improve hair and skin condition, and as an overall health tonic.

Growing conditions

Vietnamese mint has a creeping habit and prefers dappled shade to protect from the hot sun. It prefers moist conditions in a fertile and well drained soil. Vietnamese mint is frost tender and tends to spread, so it may be good to keep it in a pot and provide protection in winter.  It flowers in warm area.

9cm pot.

Organically grown plant.