Top 10 Benefits of Fish Mint for Pregnant Women’s Health

Fish mint is a natural antibiotic with a wide range of benefits for health and beauty. According to traditional medicine, fish mint leaves are considered neutral with a cooling effect, making them effective in body temperature regulation, detoxification, and inflammation reduction. They help reduce fever and boost immunity, keeping the body strong and preventing illness. For pregnant women or young children, overuse of antibiotics and fever medication can be harmful, so using fish mint as a natural remedy is a safer alternative.

Fish mint contains decanoyl-acetaldehyde, an antimicrobial compound that helps lower fever without the need for medication. Additionally, this compound has antibacterial and anti-parasitic properties, preventing infections and reducing the frequency of fevers during pregnancy. Here are some ways to use fish mint for fever reduction:

Method 1:

• Take about 20 grams of fish mint, wash it thoroughly.
• Crush it to extract the juice and discard the pulp, drinking the juice twice a day until the fever subsides.

Method 2:

• Pick fresh fish mint leaves, rinse them clean, and soak in a saltwater solution.
• Crush the leaves and place them in a cloth or gauze, then apply to the forehead.
• Keep the cloth on the forehead for about 30 minutes. You can also apply fish mint to the forehead or nape of the neck, combined with wiping the body with fish mint water for better fever reduction effects.

With its cooling, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, fish mint is used to treat a variety of conditions, including urinary tract infections, which are common during pregnancy. For pregnant women suffering from a UTI, fish mint can be combined with other herbs for effective treatment. Additionally, the quercitrin found in fish mint is particularly beneficial for those dealing with urinary tract infections.

How to Use:

Method 1:

• Take 30 grams of fish mint, 30 grams of pennywort, 24 grams of corn silk, 20 grams of plantain, and 20 grams of bamboo leaves.
• Simmer these herbs together and drink one potion per day until the infection is relieved.

Method 2: Blend the herbs into a smoothie or juice them. However, this method will not fully utilize the fiber content.

Method 3: Another way to treat a UTI with fish mint is to dry the leaves and boil them to make a tea. This method helps reduce the strong odor of fish mint, though it may slightly reduce its effectiveness and potency.

There are various reasons why pregnant women might experience coughing, with hormonal changes during pregnancy leading to a weakened immune system being one of the most common causes. This makes pregnant women more susceptible to bacterial or viral infections from their environment or close contacts. Sudden weather changes, like moving from a hot, dry environment into an air-conditioned space, can further increase the risk.

Coughing during pregnancy can also be caused by increased mucus production, which leads to nasal congestion and either dry or productive coughs. If left untreated, it could result in recurring respiratory infections, negatively affecting both the mother's and the baby's health.

Additionally, the pressure from the growing uterus on the abdomen can cause acid reflux, leading to throat irritation and coughing in pregnant women.

If a pregnant woman suffers from a persistent cough, it could have serious effects on the baby. Frequent coughing could lead to chest and abdominal muscle contractions, causing discomfort, fatigue, and difficulty eating, which may reduce nutrient intake for the baby. Moreover, intense coughing could trigger uterine contractions, increasing the risk of miscarriage. Therefore, fish mint contains compounds that help boost immunity and reduce the chances of harmful bacteria affecting the body.

How to Use:

• Clean the fish mint leaves.
• Crush the leaves and mix them with a little salt and warm water for better efficacy.
• Drink 2-3 times a day to effectively reduce coughing.

During pregnancy, the cervix dilates, making it easier for bacteria and pathogens to enter and cause infections. Poor hygiene practices before pregnancy can also contribute to vaginal infections by creating an environment where harmful bacteria and yeast thrive.

Pregnant women often experience increased vaginal discharge, which, if not properly cleaned, can encourage the growth of yeast and bacteria, leading to common gynecological infections such as vaginitis, cervical erosion, and pelvic infections. Due to a weakened immune system during pregnancy, women are more vulnerable to gynecological conditions and vaginal infections.

As pregnancy progresses, increased estrogen levels and the growing fetus put pressure on the pelvic area, leading to more vaginal discharge. This makes the vaginal area more sensitive and prone to infections. These physiological changes make pregnant women more susceptible to vaginal itching and infections.

While vaginal infections are common during pregnancy, they can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby. Risks include premature birth, amniotic fluid infections, or the spread of bacteria to other organs like the heart, liver, and lungs. Using fish mint juice is a convenient home remedy to treat such infections. Fish mint contains compounds that inhibit harmful bacteria and prevent viruses that cause genital sores.

How to Use:

• Wash the fish mint leaves and drain them.
• Blend with water and add a small amount of sugar to help detoxify the body, kill bacteria, and cool the system, effectively treating vaginal infections and itching.

Fish mint is well-known for its ability to treat hemorrhoids, but not everyone is aware that it is also highly effective in treating kidney stones. This herb contains essential minerals and vitamins that help dissolve kidney stones naturally.

For individuals with kidney stones, especially pregnant women, drinking fish mint-infused remedies daily can help break down the stones without the need for surgery. However, the treatment duration may vary depending on the size of the stones.

How to Use:

• 20g of fish mint, 15g of pennywort, and 10g of licorice root. Boil the mixture and drink one potion daily for a month.
• 100g of fish mint, roasted until golden, steeped in 1 liter of boiling water for 20 minutes. Drink this infusion daily as a replacement for water. A two-month course is recommended, with a seven-day break between each cycle.

Even if you're not dealing with any health issues, pregnant women should include fish mint in their diet. This herb is packed with essential nutrients that are beneficial for both the baby's growth and the mother's health. Fish mint, commonly found in tropical regions, provides detoxifying and cooling effects, along with numerous other health benefits.

Fresh fish mint contains a significant amount of vitamin A and beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. Consuming this herb helps maintain healthy skin by promoting mucous membranes. It also contains a large amount of zeaxanthin, which is excellent for improving vision. Additionally, fish mint is rich in vitamin K, which can help reduce neural cell damage in the brain, potentially preventing conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

Other essential minerals found in fish mint include iron, copper, manganese, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Due to its rich nutritional content, many people incorporate this herb into their daily diet. Pregnant women should use it in moderation, but its high nutrient value makes it a healthy addition to any diet.

How to Prepare:

Method 1: Fish Mint and Winter Melon Juice

• Wash the fish mint leaves and set them aside. Slice the winter melon into pieces, peel and remove the seeds (optional), then cut into smaller chunks. Juice the vegetables and herbs together.
• Alternate between adding winter melon, cucumber, and fish mint into the juicer. If you don’t like the taste of fish mint, use less of it and add more winter melon to suit your preference.
• The juice will retain the green color of fish mint, with the refreshing sweetness of winter melon. If you find the juice too bland, you can add a little sugar, but avoid making it too sweet. It’s best served chilled.

Method 2: You can also make a chicken porridge and mix in some fish mint for added flavor and nutrition.

For those who prefer natural beauty treatments, fish mint is likely a familiar option. By properly incorporating fish mint into your skincare routine, you can achieve beautiful skin and reduce acne, especially during pregnancy when hormonal changes often affect the skin.

Fish mint leaves contain antioxidants such as flavonoids, including polyphenols, quercetin, quercitrin, hyperoside, and rutin. These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help combat aging signs on the skin. Additionally, pregnant women using fish mint benefit from its moisturizing effects, which tighten pores and alleviate skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and rashes. Due to its cooling properties, fish mint is ideal for consumption raw or as juice, and when used both internally and externally, it helps fight bacteria, detoxify the skin, and prevent acne.

How to Use:

Method 1: Pure Fish Mint Face Mask

• Wash the fish mint leaves thoroughly, then blend them in a blender or grind them using a mortar and pestle.
• Strain to extract the juice and apply it onto your face, gently massaging to help your skin absorb the nutrients.
• Leave the mask on for 20 minutes before rinsing with water.
• For best results, use 2-3 times a week.

Method 2: Fish Mint and Fresh Milk Face Mask

• Wash the fish mint leaves and blend them into a smooth paste, then extract the juice.
• Mix the fish mint juice with unsweetened fresh milk and apply it directly onto your face.
• Leave the mask on for 15 minutes before rinsing with clean water.

Fish mint, commonly cultivated in our country, has long been used as a medicinal herb, especially for digestive issues.

For pregnant women, constipation is a common problem due to hormonal changes and the dietary adjustments during pregnancy, which can affect the digestive system. If you're struggling with constipation, try this remedy:

How to Use:

Method 1:

• Take about 10g of dried fish mint, steep it in hot water for 10 minutes, and drink it like tea daily.
• Drink it continuously for 10 days to effectively relieve constipation.

Method 2: For those who dislike the taste of raw fish mint, it can be consumed in larger quantities compared to others to treat and prevent constipation. Regularly eating fish mint also helps prevent the condition. If the taste of raw fish mint is unpleasant, drinking the infusion is a gentler option.

Known by various names such as fish mint, fish leaf, and giấp leaf, fish mint is a common herb in Vietnam with numerous health benefits, especially for expectant mothers.

During pregnancy, many women experience painful urination or frequent urges to urinate due to the growing uterus pressing on other abdominal organs, including the bladder and kidneys. Fish mint helps cool the body, reduce heat, and promotes urination, making it ideal for relieving these symptoms.

How to Use:

Method 1:

• Take 20g of fish mint, pennywort, and plantain leaves. Wash them thoroughly, crush them, and extract the juice.
• Drink this juice three times a day for 7-10 days, and you will notice significant improvement in your urinary symptoms, with no more discomfort during urination.

Method 2: Wash the fish mint well, then soak it in a diluted salt solution (since it grows in damp areas, it may carry parasites). After that, you can add it to your daily meals by combining it with dishes like meat and fish.

A common condition that many pregnant women experience during pregnancy is hemorrhoids, often caused by prolonged constipation or internal heat. This condition can result in painful swelling and discomfort around the anus, especially during bowel movements, and can even lead to blood in the stool.

Hemorrhoids occur when the veins around the anus become swollen, restricting blood flow. Fortunately, fish mint (diếp cá) is an effective remedy for hemorrhoids, as it helps to alleviate inflammation and improve circulation. Fish mint, also known as ‘ngư tinh thảo’, is commonly used in traditional medicine and is known for its therapeutic properties.

How to Use:

Method 1:

• Use 30g of fresh fish mint, 20g of Chinese knotweed, 16g of roasted sophora flowers, and 12g each of honeysuckle, codonopsis, and dang gui. Boil the herbs together and drink three times a day.

Method 2: In addition to consuming fresh fish mint, pregnant women can also make fish mint tea to drink daily. The high protein content in fish mint is beneficial for treating hemorrhoids.

• Start by cleaning and drying fish mint leaves, then grind them into a fine powder.
• Store the powder in a clean glass jar for future use.
• Each day, take 2–4g of the powder, mix it with hot water, and drink it regularly for relief.