Here are some suggested skincare methods using Houttuynia cordata (fish mint).

While Houttuynia cordata may be a difficult vegetable to eat for many, even unpleasant due to its fishy smell, it is still recommended by experts for its numerous health and beauty benefits.

In Vietnam, Houttuynia cordata is widely grown in home gardens for use as food as well as a folk medicine.

Houttuynia cordata is a small herb that prefers damp places, with rhizomes growing underground. The stems are erect, hairy or sparsely hairy; the leaves are heart-shaped with slightly small tips; the flowers are small, growing in clusters, and the entire plant, when crushed, has a fishy smell.

Houttuynia cordata is a familiar plant to many, used not only as a vegetable but also for medicinal purposes. The medicinal parts of Houttuynia cordata are the leaves and stems.

According to current medical research, Houttuynia cordata contains decanoyl-acetaldehyde, a substance with antibiotic properties. Therefore, it has antibacterial effects (inhibiting staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci, diphtheria, E. coli, etc.); and kills parasites and fungi.

In addition, Houttuynia cordata contains many nutrients that are beneficial to health, such as: Vitamin A, vitamin B, protein, calcium, iron, potassium, fiber,... are all good for the body.

Houttuynia cordata can be a difficult vegetable to eat for many people, even causing discomfort due to its fishy smell.

Nevertheless, Houttuynia cordata is still recommended by health experts because of its many health and beauty benefits.

Plant compounds isolated from Houttuynia cordata include flavonoids, phenolic acids, volatile essential oils, and alkaloids. Among them, flavonoids, a group of polyphenol compounds found in plants, are important bioactive compounds that can be found in Houttuynia cordata, including Quercetin, Quercitrin, Hyperoside, Rutin, Afzelin, and Apigenin. These are all potent antioxidants, capable of neutralizing free radicals and providing anti-inflammatory effects.

In addition, Houttuynia cordata contains polysaccharides, large sugar molecules such as galacturonic acid, galactose, arabinose, and glucuronic acid. In cosmetics, polysaccharides act as humectants, helping to attract and retain water in the skin, thereby maintaining moisture, elasticity, and softness. At the same time, these compounds also have antioxidant effects and help eliminate free radicals.

The face is the area of ​​the body most frequently exposed to UV rays. UVB rays can cause oxidative damage to the skin, leading to premature aging, sunburn, inflammation, hyperpigmentation, dehydration, and even skin cancer. UVB stimulates the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damage skin cells. The active ingredient Quercitrin in Houttuynia cordata is believed to protect the skin from ROS produced by UVB rays. At the same time, antioxidants also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

For acne-prone skin, Houttuynia cordata extract is particularly useful due to its antibacterial properties. It can inhibit P. acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria, common causes of acne. These bacteria stimulate the production of inflammatory cytokines, leading to the formation of skin lesions (acne).

Some studies suggest that Houttuynia cordata may reduce the increase of inflammatory cytokines. A 2019 study also concluded that using Houttuynia cordata for about two months can improve mild to moderate inflammatory acne.

In addition, Houttuynia cordata is also being studied in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria are believed to be one of the causes of this condition, and Houttuynia cordata has the ability to inhibit inflammatory responses, thereby helping to alleviate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

(Source: Vietnam+)

In regulating melanin production and improving sun-damaged or hyperpigmented skin, the high phenolic content and antioxidant properties of Houttuynia cordata help reduce the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin synthesis. Therefore, it can help brighten and even out skin tone.

Here are some skincare methods using Houttuynia cordata:

Leaves skin soft and smooth.

Take 10 clean, crushed Houttuynia cordata leaves and use a soft cotton pad to gently wipe the juice onto your face and neck. Then, gently pat your face with your fingertips for about 1 minute to allow the juice to penetrate the skin, and wash your face after 15 minutes.

This mask can be left on overnight because when you apply the Houttuynia cordata juice to your skin, it absorbs quickly, leaving your face looking like it has a thin, natural film. When you wake up the next day, just gently wash your face.

Helps firm the skin and reduce oiliness.

Crush the Houttuynia cordata leaves with a little coarse salt to form a paste and apply it to your face. The salt helps to firm the skin, regulate sebum production, especially in the T-zone.

In addition, it has strong antibacterial properties, helping the skin to detoxify, prevent, and fight acne.

Treat acne and fade dark spots.

Houttuynia cordata combined with aloe vera creates a face mask suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.

Houttuynia cordata has strong antibacterial properties that will help pimples shrink and reduce redness, while the essence in aloe vera will help tighten pores, significantly reduce acne scars, and noticeably cool the skin.

Skin whitening

Mix one tablespoon of pure honey with one tablespoon of Houttuynia cordata juice. Honey helps moisturize the skin, has antibacterial and anti-aging properties, reduces swollen acne, and makes the skin brighter and smoother. When used together with Houttuynia cordata, it helps keep the skin fresh and supple.

For the best results from a Houttuynia cordata leaf mask, use it before bed, as your skin is rested and can absorb nutrients most effectively at that time. Use 2-3 times a week for 15-20 minutes each time.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/goi-y-mot-so-phuong-phap-cham-soc-da-voi-rau-diep-ca-post1107381.vnp