Apart from being a key ingredient in delicious daily family meals, om herb (or rice paddy herb) is also a widely used medicinal herb in traditional remedies, offering incredible health benefits. Let's explore the details of this herb in the following article with Mytour Blog!
All about the Om Herb Plant
Om herb, scientifically known as Limnophila aromatica (Lamk.) Merr, belonging to the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae), is a nutritious herb, particularly valuable for supplementing a healthy diet. This plant is also known by various names such as water mimosa, rice paddy herb, Vietnamese mint, and three-leaf spice.
Rice paddy herb is a perennial herb with an average height ranging from 20 to 30cm. The stem of the plant is soft, adorned with fine hairs, cylindrical, and emits a distinctive fragrance. The leaves are green, small, smooth, with saw-toothed edges, symmetrical, closely fitting, and slightly embracing the stem. The flowers of rice paddy herb have a trumpet-like shape with 5 light purple petals on top and white petals underneath. The fruit of this herb is pod-shaped, short, wrinkled, and swollen. Inside the pod, there are dark black, smooth, and cylindrical seeds.
Rice paddy herb thrives in hot and humid environments, often growing on the water surface or in flooded areas. While it exhibits good drought tolerance, regular and sufficient watering is essential for its healthy development. Nowadays, rice paddy herb is cultivated on the ground for use as a spice.

Nutritional Components in Rice Paddy Herb
This is a type of herb that provides numerous beneficial nutrients for health. In 100 grams of fresh rice paddy herb, you will find the following energy components:
- Energy: Approximately 23-28 kcal
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 3.5-4.3g
- Dietary Fiber: Approximately 2.6-3g
- Protein: Approximately 2-2.5g
- Fat: Approximately 0.3-0.6g
Furthermore, rice paddy herb contains various vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Vitamin K, C, B9, Potassium, Perilla aldehyde, Nevadensin, organic acids, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds like carotenoids and flavonoids, aiding in cell protection, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

What are the benefits of rice paddy herb?
In addition to being a spice that enhances the taste of meals, this herb has numerous benefits for the organs within the body. You'll soon build strong immunity with regular consumption of rice paddy herb!
According to Traditional Medicine
In traditional medicine and folklore, rice paddy herb is often considered a medicinal plant with various health-supporting effects. Here are some common benefits mentioned in traditional medicine and folklore.
Enhanced Immunity: Rice paddy herb is considered to have the ability to boost the immune system and help the body resist infectious diseases. Regular consumption of rice paddy herb can help you avoid common illnesses due to weather changes, such as coughs and colds.
Diuretic Properties: Rice paddy herb acts as a diuretic, aiding the body in eliminating toxins and improving kidney function. This helps prevent the risk of kidney stones and urinary tract diseases.
Digestive Support: This herb has the ability to support digestion by stimulating bile and saliva production, reducing symptoms of bloating, diarrhea, and indigestion. Its distinctive aroma can also help alleviate feelings of nausea and discomfort.

According to Modern Medicine
Research has proven the medicinal effects of rice paddy herb in modern medicine, such as:
Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory: Rice paddy herb contains compounds like coumarins and flavonoids with antibacterial properties, reducing inflammation and pain associated with conditions like arthritis, liver inflammation, and skin infections.
Inhibiting Cancer Cell Growth: The compound nevadensin extracted from rice paddy herb has been demonstrated to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, especially in gastric and prostate cancer.
Detoxification: Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, rice paddy herb can help improve skin conditions, reduce acne, support overall health, enhance cognitive function, and balance the digestive system.
Reducing the Risk of Chronic Diseases: Rice paddy herb contains antioxidants like vitamin C, beta-carotene, and flavonoids that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Appropriate Dosage and Usage of Rice Paddy Herb
The recommended dosage is 10–20 grams of rice paddy herb (dry or fresh) in the form of herbal extract taken daily. Other methods include consuming it raw or in juice form. Choose the usage and dosage based on your health condition and body status.
Some Effective Herbal Remedies Using Rice Paddy Herb
Remedy for Kidney Stones: Take 20–30 grams of fresh rice paddy herb, crush it, and then mix it with water for consumption. If using dried rice paddy herb, brew it into a smaller dosage for consumption.
Remedy for Snakebite
Method 1: If you want to use fresh rice paddy herb, mash it and extract the juice to apply and clean the bitten area. Then, apply the mashed rice paddy herb residue on the snakebite.
Method 2: Prepare a mixture of 15 grams of rice paddy herb and 25 grams of crushed ant with a bit of white wine. Strain the liquid for consumption and apply the mashed rice paddy herb residue on the bitten area if bitten.
Remedy for Female Leukorrhea: Use 500 grams of fresh rice paddy herb, cut it into small pieces, and boil with 3 cups of water until it condenses to 1 cup. Drink it while the water is still warm to treat leukorrhea.
Remedy for Skin Rashes: The remedy consists of rice paddy herb, bamboo shoots, and fat bamboo shoots. You can brew the mixture into a drink and consume it multiple times a day to treat the condition.
Note: The methods mentioned above using rice paddy herb are folk remedies and cannot replace the advice of a healthcare professional. If you have any health concerns, seek assistance from a healthcare expert for proper consultation and treatment.

Considerations when using rice paddy herb for treatment
- During pregnancy, women should limit the use of rice paddy herb, as it may relax internal organs and pose a risk of miscarriage.
- Ensure to purchase rice paddy herb from a reliable source to avoid exposure to unsafe chemicals or pollutants.
- Adhere to the recommended dosage, avoiding excessive use to prevent unwanted side effects.

Frequently Asked Questions
Purple rice paddy herb is effective in treating the following conditions: colds, flu, skin inflammation, digestive disorders, tonsillitis...
Rice paddy herb is rich in essential vitamins and minerals. When combined with coconut water, you receive additional nutrients such as saturated fatty acids, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B from the coconut water. This helps boost immunity and prevent chronic diseases.
Here is a compilation of detailed information about rice paddy herb. We hope you find useful insights into the applications of this traditional spice and medicinal herb. Don't forget to follow Mytour's blog for updates on health care knowledge. Additionally, you can purchase authentic nutritional supplements at competitive prices on the reputable Mytour marketplace!