Is shepherd's purse a heat-generating food?
Mar 21, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Fawu" usually refers to foods that are rich in nutrients or have a stimulating nature, which may easily trigger diseases or exacerbate existing conditions. Shepherd's purse, as a common wild vegetable, has a neutral property and does not possess strong stimulating or heating effects. In most cases, moderate consumption of shepherd's purse does not induce or worsen diseases. Therefore, from the perspective of traditional medicine, shepherd's purse is generally not considered as "fawu.
Shepherd's purse is generally not considered a "trigger food" (fawu), but it is important to consume it appropriately according to individual conditions.
"Trigger foods" typically refer to foods that are highly nutritious or irritating, which may easily induce diseases or exacerbate existing conditions. Shepherd's purse, as a common wild vegetable, has a neutral nature and taste and does not possess strong irritation or heat. In most cases, moderate consumption of shepherd's purse does not induce or worsen diseases. Therefore, from the perspective of traditional medicine, shepherd's purse is generally not considered a trigger food.
Shepherd's purse is rich in vitamin C, dietary fiber, and calcium. Moderate consumption by the general population can supplement nutrition and promote digestion, thus it does not fall into the category of trigger foods. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, shepherd's purse has a cold nature and functions to clear heat and remove dampness. However, excessive consumption may impair yang energy and cause symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain in individuals with external cold invasion or a cold constitution of the spleen and stomach, thereby worsening symptoms of cold syndromes. Such individuals should avoid consuming shepherd's purse.
For most healthy individuals, moderate consumption of shepherd's purse is beneficial. However, individuals with allergic constitutions, weak spleen and stomach function, or specific medical conditions should consume it cautiously or avoid it altogether. In daily diets, it is recommended to maintain a balanced dietary structure and diversify food intake to help maintain health.
References:
[1] Yuan Danting, Deng Ye. Analysis of Trigger Foods in Traditional Chinese Medicine from a Phenomenological Perspective [J]. Chinese Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2024, 39(12): 6870-6873.
[2] Guo Yang, Mo Peng. What Are Trigger Foods in Traditional Chinese Medicine [J]. Family Medicine (Second Half of the Month), 2023, (10): 43.
