The chameleon plant is also known as Hottuynia cordata. It has a fishy minty taste. It is part of the Saururaceae family. The chameleon plant is native to southern China, Korea, Japan and Southeast Asia. The chameleon plant normally grows in moist and shady locations. The chameleon plant is also known as fish mint, fish plant, lizard tail, etc. The tender young shoots and leaves can be consumed raw or cooked as a pot – herb.
The leaves and young shoots of chameleon plant are harvested in the spring when about 8 cm long. The chameleon plant root extract is diuretic. When chameleon plant is used externally, then it can be used in the treatment of skin disorders and snake bites. When the decoction is used internally, then it can help in the treatment of many ailments, such as fever, enteritis, dysentery, coughs and cancer.
The leaf juice of this plant is antidote and astringent. The chameleon plant has a very acceptable flavor in the spring and summer, but in the autumn it distinct bitterness has crept in. This plant can be used to strengthen the immune system. The flowering season of this plant is from April to June.
Health benefits of chameleon plant
Herpes: The chameleon plant can be given to people who suffer from herpes because this plant has properties which are capable of inhibiting pseudo rabies herpes virus.
Weight management: There are some studies in which are found that the chameleon plant has anti – obesity properties. This is a reason why you can take this plant on regular basis so in this way you will shed excess weight.
Protection against harmful organisms: It is known fact that chameleon plant has antibacterial properties which can help you to stay safe from the bad bacteria. It is very important to have a balance of bacteria in the digestive system because the good bacteria support the digestion. There were recent studies in which are said that this plant encourages the intestinal balance by discouraging harmful bacteria from thriving the digestive system.
Powerful antioxidant: It is known that the chameleon plant consists of polyphenols which are high in antioxidants and they can help in the fight against free radicals. It is known that free radicals have a free and unpaired electron and they are often unstable. Free radicals damage other compounds, DNA and cells and studies have said that they are linked to aging, cancer and other illnesses. The chameleon plant is used as an excellent free radical scavenger and it can help to neutralize free radicals.
Cure for environmental sensitivities: When you are allergic to some substance, then your body is producing histamine which is a compound that initiates an immune response. There are some studies in which are shown that the chameleon plant has inhibitory effects on histamine release, possibly blocking it and reducing its effects. There are some studies in which are estimated that this plant is effective against allergies and asthma and problems which are characterized by excessive release of histamine.
Diabetes: There was one study done in 2014 in which was said that the chameleon plant has anti – diabetic properties.this plant has been experimented and examined in order to determine its pharmacological abilities in regulating the sugar level in human beings. If you want to add this plant as your home remedy for diabetes, then you need to talk with your doctor so in this way you will be sure that you will not get any side effects.
Immune system support: There are some studies in which are shown that this plant can help to support the immune system by stimulating the production of lymphocytes which are white blood cells that are important for the promotion of good health. This plant should be seen as a natural component in an overall healthy lifestyle. This is a reason why you should add this plant in your die so you will get support of the immune system.
