Food as medicine has an exact equivalent in Chinese, which is “药食同源”. (yào shí tóng yuán) The term can be translated into English as “medicinal and edible homology” or “food and medicine share the same origin.” This concept originates from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and emphasizes the traditional Chinese concept that food and medicine are fundamentally connected and that a balanced diet can contribute to overall health, healing and well-being.
The character “蕺” (jí), which refers to the plant Houttuynia cordata (鱼腥草, fish mint), is composed of two distinct parts or particles in Chinese character structure.
- “艹” (草字头, cǎo zì tóu):
- This is the “grass” or “plant” radical, which appears at the top of the character.
- It indicates that the character is related to plants or vegetation.
- “戢” (jí):
- This is the phonetic component of the character, which also carries meaning.
- The character 戢 originally means “to sheathe a weapon” or “to restrain,” symbolizing defense or protection.
When these two particles are combined, the character “蕺” can be interpreted as a plant that serves as a “weapon” or tool for protection. This aligns with the plant’s traditional use in Chinese medicine, where it is valued for its ability to “defend” the body against heat, toxins, and infections. Thus, the character itself vividly reflects the concept of “food as medicine” (药食同源), as Houttuynia cordata is both a medicinal herb and an edible plant.
In Japan, it is called ドクダミ (dokudami), meaning “poison-blocking plant,” highlighting its traditional use in detoxification and healing.
- The Culinary Use:
- In some regions of China (e.g., Sichuan and Guizhou), it is used as a vegetable or herb in salads, hot pots, and stir-fries.
- Its unique flavor is polarizing—some enjoy its pungent, fishy taste, while others find it overpowering.
- Medicinal Use:
- In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it is valued for its清热解毒 (qīng rè jiě dú, “clearing heat and detoxifying”) properties.
- Used to treat respiratory infections, inflammation, and skin conditions.
- Modern studies suggest it has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Cultural Significance:
- The character “蕺” reflects its dual role as both a food and a medicinal plant, embodying the concept of 药食同源 (food and medicine sharing the same origin).