What should not be eaten with jijicai?

Under normal circumstances, "jiji cai" usually refers to shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris). Foods that should not be consumed with shepherd's purse include hawthorn, crucian carp, mangosteen, crab, and tofu. Medications that should not be taken with shepherd's purse include warfarin, furosemide, potassium chloride, ginseng, and tannic acid berberine. Detailed explanations are as follows:

I. Foods

1. Hawthorn
Hawthorn is a warm-natured food known for its blood-activating and stasis-resolving effects. Shepherd's purse contains acidic substances that have a hemostatic effect. Consuming both together may lead to excessive blood circulation or disruption of qi, potentially causing harm to the body.

2. Crucian Carp
Pickled shepherd's purse is high in sodium, while crucian carp is rich in protein. Eating them together may increase the body’s metabolic burden. In patients with kidney disease, this combination may trigger edema.

3. Mangosteen
Shepherd's purse is considered a cooling food, while mangosteen has strong cold properties. Consuming both together may intensify their cooling nature, leading to spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, impairing digestion and absorption. In severe cases, it may cause discomfort such as bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

4. Crab
Crab is also a cold-natured food. When consumed with shepherd's purse, it may further exacerbate symptoms of spleen and stomach deficiency-cold.

5. Tofu
The calcium in tofu may bind with oxalic acid in shepherd's purse to form calcium oxalate, which is difficult to digest. This may interfere with calcium absorption.

II. Medications

1. Warfarin
Warfarin is an anticoagulant used to prevent thrombosis. Shepherd's purse has hemostatic properties, which may counteract warfarin’s anticoagulant effects, reducing its efficacy. Taking them together may increase the risk of thrombosis, posing risks for patients requiring anticoagulation therapy.

2. Furosemide
Furosemide is a diuretic commonly used to treat edema and hypertension. Since shepherd's purse also has diuretic effects, combining it with furosemide may excessively increase urine output, leading to electrolyte imbalances—particularly potassium loss. This may result in hypokalemia and adverse cardiovascular effects.

3. Potassium Chloride
Potassium chloride is a potassium supplement used to treat hypokalemia. The diuretic effect of shepherd's purse may promote potassium excretion, interfering with potassium balance when taken with potassium chloride. This may reduce drug effectiveness or even worsen hypokalemia symptoms.

4. Ginseng
Ginseng is a traditional Chinese herb known for its tonic effects, including boosting qi and blood and enhancing immunity. Due to its potent medicinal properties, ginseng’s efficacy may be diminished when taken with shepherd's purse. This interaction may reduce its nourishing effects, which is unfavorable for individuals needing tonic therapy.

5. Tannic Acid Berberine
Tannic acid berberine contains tannins and is primarily used to treat intestinal infections. The oxalic acid and other acidic components in shepherd's purse may interact with tannins to form indigestible precipitates, impairing drug absorption and therapeutic efficacy.

Shepherd's purse has a cold and cooling nature. It is unsuitable for individuals with cold constitutions, spleen-stomach deficiency-cold, or loose stools/diarrhea. Consumption in these individuals may worsen symptoms of cold spleen-stomach and diarrhea, posing significant health risks. When consuming shepherd's purse, it is essential to observe these dietary and medication contraindications to ensure safe and healthy eating practices.