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In Spring, This Wild Herb is Everywhere: A Natural Anti-Inflammatory and Delicious Addition to Your Meals

As spring arrives, you can often see a wild herb with small white flowers growing by the roadside and in the mountains. This herb, known as “natural anti-inflammatory,” is called Ye Sheng Cao (Houttuynia cordata), also known as Yu Xing Cao (Fish Mint).

In traditional Chinese medicine, Yu Xing Cao (Fish Mint) is an important medicinal herb with the properties of clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing swelling and healing sores, and promoting diuresis and dampness elimination. In folk medicine, it is also a popular and delicious wild vegetable.

Nutritional Value of Yu Xing Cao (Fish Mint)

This seemingly ordinary wild herb has a very high nutritional value:

• Rich in protein and various amino acids
• Contains abundant vitamin C
• Supplements minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron
• Contains natural antibacterial substances

Characteristics and Effects

The five major effects of Yu Xing Cao (Fish Mint): 1. Clears heat and detoxifies 2. Enhances immunity 3. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory 4. Aids digestion 5. Promotes diuresis and dampness elimination

Three Delicious Recipes with Yu Xing Cao (Fish Mint)

1. Refreshing Cold Yu Xing Cao (Fish Mint) Salad

This dish is the most common way to eat it,preserving the nutrition of Yu Xing Cao (Fish Mint) while being refreshing and appetizing.

Main Ingredients: – Fresh Yu Xing Cao (Fish Mint) 300g – Garlic 3 cloves – Ginger 1 small piece – Coriander to taste – Small chili peppers 1-2

Seasoning: – Salt to taste – Soy sauce 1 tablespoon – Vinegar 1 tablespoon – Chili oil to taste

Cooking Steps: 1. Remove old stems from Yu Xing Cao (Fish Mint), keeping the tender leaves and stems 2. Wash thoroughly with salt water 3. Blanch briefly, then drain 4. Mix the dressing and toss well

2. Fragrant Yu Xing Cao (Fish Mint) Stir-Fried Sausage

This dish featuresa balanced combination of meat and vegetables, with a fragrant aroma.

Ingredient Pairing: – Yu Xing Cao (Fish Mint) root 250g – Sausage 2 links – Minced garlic to taste

Cooking Tips: 1. Boil the sausage before stir-frying to reduce greasiness 2. Ensure the minced garlic is fragrant 3. Cut the Yu Xing Cao (Fish Mint) root into sections for better flavor absorption

3. Nourishing Yu Xing Cao (Fish Mint) and Lean Meat Soup

This is a dish that isboth nourishing and delicious, especially suitable for spring consumption.

Ingredient List: – Yu Xing Cao (Fish Mint) root 200g – Lean meat 300g – Corn 1 ear – Carrot 1 – Red dates 5 – Water chestnuts 4-5

Special Tips: * Lean meat should be blanched to remove odor * Remove pits from red dates * Ensure sufficient cooking time

Harvesting and Consumption Precautions

1. Harvesting Precautions:
2. Select a clean growing environment
3. Harvest tender leaves and stems

4. Avoid plants from roadside and polluted areas

5. Consumption Suggestions:

6. Try a small amount if consuming for the first time
7. Wash thoroughly
8. Best consumed after blanching

9. Raw consumption is not recommended

10. Storage Methods:

11. Can be sealed in a fresh-keeping bag and refrigerated
12. Best eaten fresh after harvesting
13. Can also be dried for preservation

Spring is the season when Yu Xing Cao (Fish Mint) is at its freshest. Whether for clearing heat and detoxifying or for daily consumption, it is a great choice. Remember to identify the plant correctly when harvesting and pay attention to hygiene when consuming, so you can enjoy the delicious gifts that nature provides!

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