Fishy smelling grass is one of the most common plants in the southwestern region, also known as the ‘ear-folding root.’ The name mainly comes from its unique taste, with a strong unpleasant smell that many people find hard to swallow the first time, even causing nausea…
As a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, it holds high medicinal value. Fishy smelling grass acts as a natural safe plant antibiotic with strong heat-clearing, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Clinically, it can be used for various kinds of inflammations – treating upper respiratory infections, alleviating urinary system inflammations, and possessing detoxifying effects.
It is said: being famous attracts gossip. Since the discovery of the nutritional value and therapeutic effects of fishy smelling grass, its sales have boomed, and prices have skyrocketed. Some claim that fishy smelling grass is harmful and carcinogenic, but what’s the truth?
Five key “medicinal values” of fishy smelling grass:
1. Effective prevention of chronic pharyngitis
Drinking concentrated fishy smelling grass tea daily can clear lung heat from smoking, reduce lung infection symptoms, and prevent various abnormal respiratory manifestations, thereby preventing chronic pharyngitis symptoms.
To prepare, rinse dried fishy smelling grass, soak in boiling water, and consume after ten minutes.
2. Fever reduction
If experiencing cold symptoms, boiling fishy smelling grass in water and drinking it can have a good anti-inflammatory effect, with a noticeable fever-reducing effect. This method can be used by both the elderly and children to alleviate cold symptoms.
Due to its mild nature, fishy smelling grass is safe to consume and does not have any adverse effects on the body. Besides treating colds, it also has a significant cough-suppressant effect.
3. Hemorrhoid treatment
For hemorrhoid treatment, it is essential to rest more, avoid blind medication, prevent drug dependence, maintain a light diet, regular daily routines, correct improper postures promptly, avoid prolonged sitting, and maintain loose and comfortable pants. Hemorrhoid belts and special pants are often used during hemorrhoid treatments. Physical magnet therapy can also help treat hemorrhoids by improving venous blood circulation and eliminating venous congestion and varicose veins. Acupuncture is another treatment option, targeting specific acupuncture points.
4. Radiation protection
Fishy smelling grass is the only medicinal herb that can regenerate at the epicenter of an atomic bomb explosion. This indicates its strong radiation protection capabilities. Consuming fishy smelling grass in moderation not only enhances immune function but also provides radiation protection, especially suitable for aircrew, computer operators, and individuals frequently exposed to radiation sources.
5. Boosting immune system
Fishy smelling grass can enhance phagocytic abilities of white blood cells and promote production of serum lysozyme. For individuals with chronic bronchitis, drinking fishy smelling grass-infused water daily can boost immunity, prevent disease recurrence, and assist in treating various infectious diseases. It can also be used as an adjunct therapy for edema, hemorrhoids, eczema, and pneumonia.
Why is fishy smelling grass called “harmful grass”?
Many people consider fishy smelling grass harmful due to the extraction of a large amount of Aristolochic acid from it. Long-term consumption of these substances can affect the liver in the body. Over time, the risk of liver and lung cancer increases, damaging normal liver and gastrointestinal functions, eroding good cells in the body.
Although there are various substances in this category, not all are carcinogenic. Currently, Aristolochic acid I is recognized as a highly carcinogenic compound, posing severe health risks when ingested. However, the classification in fishy smelling grass includes -FII, -AII, and -BII, for which no research has proven carcinogenic effects. Moreover, the levels of these substances in fishy smelling grass are very low, eliminating the cancer risk concern.
Thus, claims like “fishy smelling grass is harmful,” “fishy smelling grass causes cancer,” should not be exaggerated. These are just rumors and should not be trusted.
What happens if you eat fishy smelling grass frequently?
From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, fishy smelling grass has a warm nature and belongs to the lung and kidney meridians. For individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency and cold, consuming fishy smelling grass may cause discomfort and exacerbate the condition, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Although fishy smelling grass has heat-clearing and detoxifying effects, excessive consumption may cause the body to become colder, resulting in symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain. Prolonged excessive consumption by individuals with cold and Yang deficiency may damage Yang Qi, leading to reduced male capabilities.
It is crucial to consume fishy smelling grass with caution, especially for long-term and excessive consumption. Those with spleen and stomach deficiency, weak spleen and stomach, or women during menstruation should avoid overconsumption to prevent gastrointestinal damage.
When consuming, soak fishy smelling grass in water for some time, blanch with boiling water, then season, to reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
Caution: Five groups of individuals should not consume fishy smelling grass
1. Individuals with allergies
Individual constitution is developed from childhood. Those prone to facial allergies will have sensitive skin, and those who develop eczema in humid and cold weather should avoid fishy smelling grass. Individuals whose skin turns red quickly when exposed to the sun should also avoid fishy smelling grass.
2. Individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency and cold
Due to its bitter taste and slightly cold nature, fishy smelling grass is a cooling food. After consumption by individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency and cold, cold toxins may accumulate in the body, exacerbating symptoms of spleen and stomach deficiency, leading to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other adverse symptoms. Additionally, individuals with Yin and blood deficiency or those with heat-related conditions should also avoid consuming fishy smelling grass.
3. Individuals with impaired kidney function should consume fishy smelling grass in moderation
As fishy smelling grass contains trace amounts of aristolochic acid, prolonged and excessive consumption is not advisable for those with impaired kidney function, particularly diabetic nephropathy patients. Extra caution should be taken.
4. Middle-aged and elderly individuals with weaker constitutions should limit fishy smelling grass consumption
Many middle-aged and elderly individuals perceive traditional Chinese herbs to have minimal side effects. However, excessive consumption of fishy smelling grass may not only fail to clear heat and detoxify but also weaken the body, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and overall weakness. Therefore, individuals with weaker constitutions should avoid fishy smelling grass to prevent deterioration of health.
5. Individuals with cold constitution should avoid fishy smelling grass
As fishy smelling grass is cooling in nature, consuming it may worsen symptoms such as aversion to cold, cold limbs, and perpetuate cold factors. Individuals with cold uteruses or bodies may even experience infertility. Although fishy smelling grass has high medicinal value, being an herbal remedy, long-term consumption may have side effects. Therefore, it is essential to follow a doctor’s advice when using fishy smelling grass.
