Can pregnant women eat shepherd's purse?

Mar 21, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, postpartum women can consume shepherd's purse. Shepherd's purse is rich in various nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, iron, and more, which help enhance immunity and promote postpartum recovery. If the mother does not have an allergic reaction to shepherd's purse, consuming it in moderation is beneficial, as it can help supplement nutrition and promote lactation.

Generally speaking, postpartum women can consume shepherd's purse, but should avoid excessive intake. The specific analysis is as follows:

Shepherd's purse is rich in various nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, etc., which can help enhance immunity and promote postpartum recovery. If the postpartum woman is not allergic to shepherd's purse, moderate consumption can be beneficial, helping to replenish nutrients and promote lactation. At the same time, shepherd's purse also has a certain diuretic effect, which is conducive to the elimination of excess water from the body.

However, shepherd's purse also contains a certain amount of dietary fiber; excessive consumption may increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract, causing discomfort symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Therefore, it is recommended to consume it in moderation. In addition, when consuming shepherd's purse, postpartum women should first blanch it in boiling water to remove oxalic acid, avoiding interference with calcium absorption. Cooking methods such as stir-frying, making fillings, or boiling in soup can also be chosen to enhance flavor and nutrition.

During the postpartum recovery period, it is recommended that postpartum women maintain a balanced diet and consume various nutritious foods in appropriate amounts to promote comprehensive physical recovery.

References

[1] Kong Xiaohui, Fei Jun, Zhai Yingchen, et al. Dietary Survey of Lactating Women in Shanghai During the Puerperium[J]. China Medical Herald, 2016, 13(14):49-52+68.

[2] Shanshui. "Freshness Rush" in Spring[J]. Agricultural Product Market, 2024(08):41-46.