Watercress, a local vegetable that many people forget, but has unexpected benefits! Along with precautions you should know.

If you’ve ever eaten “larb” or “nam tok” and had a long, slender, strong-smelling vegetable on the side, that’s “phak pwaew”, a local Thai vegetable that many people are familiar with… but not so familiar with its name.

Although it is not a vegetable that you can find in luxury supermarkets, the properties of Pak Pae are so amazing that you have to tell others about it because it helps with digestion, expels gas, and is also good for the heart. Do you know that these days, the younger generation hardly knows about it?

What is watercress? What does it look like?

Pak Paew  , or as northerners call it, Pak Pai, and northeasterners call it Pak Paew or Pak Phrik Ma (scientific name Persicaria odorata ), is a local vegetable that is well-known to Thais, especially in northeastern and northern cuisine. Pak Paew has a pungent, slightly spicy aroma like the smell of essential oils. It has long, slender leaves with smooth edges and a stem with segments similar to bamboo. It is usually eaten fresh as an accompaniment to northeastern cuisine such as larb, nam tok, or som tam, or added to fish curries to eliminate the fishy smell and add aroma and spiciness to the flavor.

The benefits of watercress that many people overlook

1. Helps expel gas and relieve stomach bloating.

Watercress contains essential oils from natural substances that help stimulate contractions in the intestines. For those who eat greasy or fried foods and feel full, try eating 2-3 fresh watercress leaves after a meal. 

2. Relieve fever and colds

Traditional medicine people like to use boiled water mimosa when they have a fever or a slightly blocked nose. Its fragrant smell helps open the nasal cavity and relieve symptoms.

3. Reduce body odor and bad breath.

Because it has mild antibacterial properties, regular consumption of watercress may help reduce bad breath and freshen your breath.

4. Good for the blood and heart system.

Watercress contains flavonoids that have antioxidant properties, which help with the cardiovascular system and blood circulation.

5. Helps digest meat.

Eating larb, som tam or grilled food with wild morning glory on the side is not just about the taste, because wild morning glory also stimulates digestive juices to digest meat more easily.

Precautions for eating watercress

• Do not consume too much, as the essential oils of the plant are quite strong and may cause throat irritation or slight headaches in some people.
• Pregnant women should avoid it as there is no data confirming safety in high doses.
• Choose a source that is free of chemicals because watercress is often grown in moist soil or forests. If it is not washed properly, parasites or germs may be hidden inside.

Summary: Watercress, a local herb that should be in your kitchen!

As you can see, Pak Paew is not just an ordinary vegetable for serving with Laab Koi, but is also a Thai culinary herb that is full of benefits, such as helping to expel gas, nourishing the เล่นเกมคาสิโน UFABET ทันสมัย ฝากถอนง่าย elements, and many other things. Importantly, it is easy to find, inexpensive, and can be used in a variety of dishes. It is both delicious and has many benefits.