As the spring breeze blows, have you noticed the seemingly inconspicuous Shepherd’s Purse (Shepherd’s Purse) growing along the fields, grasslands, and stream banks?
Some people dislike its earthy taste, while others mistakenly crush it as a weed.
But did you know? The Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu) refers to it as “a treasure for brightening the eyes and benefiting the stomach,” and modern research has found its calcium content to be three times that of milk!
Today, let’s unlock the secrets of this “spring golden vegetable” that nourishes the liver, supplements calcium, and regulates the body constitution. Don’t miss out after reading!
Nutritional Benefits and Effects of Shepherd’s Purse
Shepherd’s Purse is known as the “king of wild vegetables” due to its unique nutritional components. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is considered sweet and bland, with a neutral to slightly cool nature, possessing effects of clearing heat and dampness, benefiting the liver and brightening the eyes, and aiding digestion. It is particularly suitable for consumption in spring.
The entire plant (roots, flowers, seeds) can be used medicinally, with effects including brightening the eyes, cooling, relieving heat, promoting urination, and treating dysentery. The flowers and seeds can stop bleeding and treat symptoms such as hematuria, nephritis, hypertension, hemoptysis, dysentery, measles, dizziness, and eye pain.
Research has found that Shepherd’s Purse is rich in vitamin C and carotene, which help enhance the body’s immune function, lower blood pressure, and aid digestion. Additionally, the abundant vitamin A in Shepherd’s Purse can treat night blindness and cataracts. Its high fiber content promotes intestinal peristalsis, aiding in excretion and enhancing metabolism, which helps prevent hypertension, coronary heart disease, obesity, diabetes, colorectal cancer, and hemorrhoids.
01
Clearing Damp-Heat, Calming the Liver, and Benefiting the Stomach
Especially for those with damp-heat in the liver meridian, it is highly recommended to consume Shepherd’s Purse in spring.
Damp-heat in the liver typically presents with symptoms such as chest tightness, abdominal distension, bitter mouth, dizziness, yellow and red urine, and constipation; the tongue may appear red with a thick, greasy yellow coating. When damp-heat descends, symptoms may include genital itching, scrotal dampness, and yellow, foul-smelling discharge.
Shepherd’s Purse clears the liver and regulates the spleen, calms liver fire, lowers blood pressure, and specifically addresses damp-heat in the liver meridian.
In spring, if liver qi rises too quickly, it can lead to excessive liver fire, causing discomfort in the eyes, as the liver opens to the eyes. Symptoms such as excessive eye discharge and swelling indicate liver damp-heat and rebellious liver qi. Dry eyes may result from rapid liver qi rise and insufficient liver blood nourishment.
The New Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Congxin) also states, “Shepherd’s Purse benefits the liver and harmonizes the middle, with roots that benefit the stomach and brighten the eyes,” so it is best to consume the roots as well.
02
Eliminating Residual Cold
In some regions, there is a saying that one must eat Shepherd’s Purse in spring because it can “eliminate residual cold.”
The residual cold accumulated in the body is referred to as “chen han” (residual cold). For example, the cold from winter accumulates in the body and becomes “chen han”; as spring approaches and yang energy rises, people are prone to “empty fire,” leading to decreased immunity and susceptibility to colds and fevers. The term “eliminate” vividly illustrates how Shepherd’s Purse can expel the long-standing residual cold from the body.
The uniqueness of Shepherd’s Purse lies in its ability to dispel both cold and heat, without causing excessive heat or cold. It also strengthens the spleen and promotes dampness. Shepherd’s Purse is akin to “licorice among vegetables,” with a gentle medicinal property that even infants can consume.
Recommended Dietary Recipes with Shepherd’s Purse
01
Shepherd’s Purse Tofu Soup
Ingredients:150g Shepherd’s Purse, 200g soft tofu, 50g enoki mushrooms, a pinch of white pepper, salt, and cornstarch.
Method:
1. Blanch the Shepherd’s Purse and chop finely, cut the tofu into cubes, and tear the enoki mushrooms into pieces.
2. Heat a pan with a little oil to sauté the enoki mushrooms, then add water and bring to a boil before adding the tofu.
3. Thicken the soup with cornstarch until it reaches a desired consistency, then add the chopped Shepherd’s Purse, salt, and white pepper to taste.
Effects:Strengthens the spleen, nourishes the stomach, promotes urination, and dispels dampness, suitable for chronic gastritis and individuals with “three highs” (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia). You can add shrimp or eggs for extra nutrition based on preference.
02
Refreshing Stir-Fried Shepherd’s Purse
Ingredients:200g Shepherd’s Purse, 100g water chestnuts, and 100g celery.
Method:
Wash the Shepherd’s Purse, blanch it, and cut it into sections. Peel and slice the water chestnuts, and cut the celery into small sections. Heat oil in a pan, first stir-fry the celery for 3 minutes, then add the water chestnut slices and Shepherd’s Purse, stir-fry briefly, and season with salt to taste before serving.
Effects:Calms the liver, clears heat, lowers blood pressure, and reduces fat.
03
Shepherd’s Purse and Minced Meat Congee
Ingredients:100g Shepherd’s Purse, 100g fresh bitter melon, 100g japonica rice, and 50g minced pork.
Method:
Wash the Shepherd’s Purse and bitter melon, blanch them in boiling water, and chop finely. Rinse the japonica rice, add it to the pot with minced pork to cook congee. When the congee is nearly done, add the Shepherd’s Purse, bitter melon, salt, and sesame oil to taste, and simmer briefly before serving.
Effects:Clears heat and detoxifies, lowers blood pressure, and reduces fat.
04
Shepherd’s Purse Egg Soup
Ingredients:240g fresh Shepherd’s Purse, 4 eggs, salt, monosodium glutamate, and vegetable oil to taste.
Method:
Clean the Shepherd’s Purse, cut it into sections, and place it on a plate. Beat the eggs in a bowl and mix well. In a hot wok, add water and cover to boil, then add vegetable oil, followed by the Shepherd’s Purse. Once boiling, pour in the eggs and cook briefly, adding salt and monosodium glutamate before serving in a large soup bowl.
Effects:Nourishes the heart, calms the mind, nourishes blood, stops bleeding, clears heat, and lowers blood pressure.
Precautions for Consuming Shepherd’s Purse
Shepherd’s Purse is suitable for consumption in spring, but please pay attention to the following points:
● Choose Shepherd’s Purse without flowers for better tenderness and taste.
● The roots of Shepherd’s Purse have high medicinal value and should not be removed when consumed.
● Do not cook Shepherd’s Purse for too long, as prolonged cooking can destroy its nutritional components and cause discoloration.
● Shepherd’s Purse can promote bowel movements, so those with loose stools should consume it with caution; individuals with a cold and weak constitution should avoid it.
● When cooking Shepherd’s Purse, avoid adding garlic, ginger, or cooking wine to preserve its natural fragrance.
● Wild Shepherd’s Purse should be soaked in salt water for 10 minutes and thoroughly washed before consumption.