Leaves, roots.
The rice paddy herb (Limnophila aromatica) has a number of therapeutic as well as culinary uses. For instance, consuming two tablespoon of this herb's leaves soaked in hot water may help to get respite from excessive mucous and fever. In addition, the leaves of rice paddy herb are well-known for their wonderfully refreshing fragrance. You can crush these leaves to smell their refreshing fragrance, which will help to alleviate stress from the body and the mind. The juice extracted from the herb is administered to people with fever and lactating mothers when their milk becomes sour. This plant's juice is also employed in the form of a cooling medicine to cure pharyngitis and fevers. The oil extracted from rice paddy herb leaves possesses antiseptic properties. In addition, the leaves of this plant are also used as poultice and applied to sores on legs. In Ayurvedic medicine, the leaves of this herb are administered when the pitta becomes vitiated. They are also used to treat agalactia, foul ulcers, anorexia, galactic impurities, constipation, dyspepsia and inflammations. Aside from its therapeutic uses, Limnophila aromatica is also ideal for being used as a backdrop in fish tanks and aquariums. Over the years, the use of this plant in aquariums has become very popular. Following harvesting, Cambodians residing in rural areas store the rice paddy herb on the roofs of their houses for future use. Apart from the markets in Vietnam, it will usually be difficult to find the rice paddy herb. Generally, Limnophila aromatica is marketed in small containers during the summer months.
The aroma as well as flavour of Limnophila aromatica reminds one of both cumin and lemon. In Vietnamese cuisine it is used very often and is locally known as ng� om. Rice paddy herb forms an important ingredient in a sweet and sour seafood soup called canh chua, which also contains tamarind. However, ng� om should not be mistaken for ng� gai. The latter is added in the form of an accompaniment to ph?, a noodle soup prepared by the Vietnamese. In Thai cuisine, Limnophila aromatica is called phak kayang and is used to prepare om. Many people usually consume rice paddy herb raw or chop the herb and use it to garnish various Vietnamese dishes. The essence and flavour of Limnophila aromatica is best when it is served raw. Herbs like Limnophila aromatica are popular because of the special flavour they contribute to soups, fish and meat dishes. These herbs are also used in curries.
Limnophila aromatica or rice paddy herb is mainly cultivated in soggy environments such as flooded rice fields in regions having hot temperatures. This plant has its origin in Southeast Asian nations like China, Vietnam and India. Rice paddy herb was introduced into North America in the beginning of the 1970s. Rice paddy herb grows best in boggy or swampy soils, which is common in its native regions, such as those in the Southeast Asian nations. Moreover, this plant needs high air humidity and elevated temperatures to thrive. In case you are growing Limnophila aromatica in your aquarium, you should remember that light plays a vital role in the growth of this plant. It is advisable that you grow this plant in a rich damp loam substrate. Since the survival and growth of the rice paddy herb is heavily dependent on high air humidity and high temperatures, it is really challenging to cultivate this plant in areas outside the tropics. Generally, Limnophila aromatica is grown from cuttings. After cutting the stems, they are immediately placed in water. The stems will develop new roots in a very short period - just a couple of weeks from planting. During the rooting phase of rice paddy herb, it is advisable that you cover the plants using transparent plastic bags so that the plants get sufficient humidity. Subsequently, you can place the plants in a rather shadowy location, as sunlight can be critical for the plants at this stage.
Aside from being a flavourful seasoning, rice paddy help is also a healthy and nutritious food. This herb contains vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin C, in addition to a number of essential minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus and others. The leaves of rice paddy herb enclose roughly 0.1 percent essential oil, which mainly comprises limonene. In addition, this essential oil contains several other phytochemicals including perillaldehyde and an atypical monoterpenoid ketone known as cis-4-caranone.