Vietnamese Coriander (Rau Răm)
spice
Persicaria odorata is a species of flowering plant in the knotweed family, Polygonaceae. It is sometimes referred to by the common names Vietnamese coriander, rau răm, laksa leaf, Vietnamese cilantro, phak phai, praew leaf, hot mint, Cambodian mint and Vietnamese mint, is an herb whose leaves are used in Southeast Asian and Northeast Indian cooking.
Conditions addressed
How to use
- Add to meals during cooking, brew as tea, or mix into warm water with honey.
- Use ¼–1 tsp per serving.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children
No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Vietnamese Coriander (Rau Răm) in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Vietnamese Coriander (Rau Răm) itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.
Pregnancy
AvoidThis herb is associated with hormone-modulating activity. Because pregnancy is a uniquely hormone-sensitive state, herbs in this category are generally avoided unless specifically guided by a midwife or doctor — this is a general, mechanism-based caution, not herb-specific research.
Breastfeeding
Use CautionHormone-modulating herbs can potentially affect milk supply or pass hormone-active compounds to the infant — generally used cautiously and under guidance.
Children
AvoidHormone-modulating herbs are generally avoided in children given the sensitivity of ongoing hormonal development.
As a member of the Apiaceae (carrot/celery) family, this herb is a known cross-reactivity group with birch pollen ("oral allergy syndrome") — use caution with a birch pollen or celery allergy.
Interactions & contraindications
May affect immune activity
Watch for: Immunosuppressants (for transplant or autoimmune conditions)
Immune-stimulating herbs can work against immunosuppressive therapy.
May affect hormone levels
Watch for: Hormone therapies, oral contraceptives, and tamoxifen or similar medications
Some herbs have mild phytoestrogenic or hormone-modulating activity that can interact with hormonal medications.
Processed by the liver
Watch for: Any medication that is also processed by liver enzymes (ask your pharmacist — this includes many common prescriptions)
Can alter how quickly the body clears certain medications, raising or lowering their effective dose.
May have a diuretic effect
Watch for: Diuretic medications and lithium
Additive fluid loss can affect electrolyte balance and change how the body clears lithium.