Which three types of people should not eat shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)?

Apr 23, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Some individuals may be allergic to components in shepherd's purse, and allergic reactions such as skin itching, swelling, rash, and even difficulty breathing and anaphylactic shock may occur after consumption, seriously affecting health. These individuals should avoid eating shepherd's purse. Shepherd's purse has a cooling property, and those with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold should also avoid consuming it, as it may exacerbate internal coldness and weaken spleen and stomach function.

Generally speaking, there is no established principle of "three types of people who should not eat shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)." However, the following groups of people typically should avoid consuming shepherd's purse: those with allergies, individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, people with loose stools, pregnant women, and lactating women. The specific reasons are as follows:

1. Allergic individuals: Some people may be allergic to certain components in shepherd's purse. Consumption may lead to allergic reactions such as skin itching, swelling, rashes, and even severe symptoms like difficulty breathing and anaphylactic shock, which can significantly affect health. These individuals should avoid consuming shepherd's purse.

2. Individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold: Shepherd's purse is cool in nature. Those with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold may experience an exacerbation of internal cold after consuming it, which can weaken spleen and stomach function, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and indigestion, thus being detrimental to the recovery of spleen and stomach function and overall health.

3. People with loose stools: Shepherd's purse has a mild effect of lubricating the intestines and promoting bowel movements. For individuals who already have loose stools, consumption may accelerate intestinal peristalsis, worsen diarrhea, and make stools more watery, thereby affecting normal intestinal function.

4. Pregnant women: Shepherd's purse may stimulate uterine activity. Consumption by pregnant women could lead to uterine contractions, increasing the risk of miscarriage or premature delivery. Particularly during early pregnancy and for women with a history of miscarriage, shepherd's purse should be consumed with caution.

5. Lactating women: Shepherd's purse may inhibit lactation, resulting in reduced breast milk production and affecting breastfeeding. Additionally, certain components in shepherd's purse may be passed to the infant through breast milk, potentially affecting the infant's health. Therefore, lactating women are advised to consume little or none of shepherd's purse.

When consuming shepherd's purse, one should determine its suitability based on personal constitution and health condition, and follow the principle of moderation. In daily diet, it is recommended to maintain a balanced dietary structure and diversify food intake to help maintain overall health.