Is it safe to eat false watercress?

May 13, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yu Yongchao

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, it is not recommended to consume false chickweed (Cardamine hirsuta). To ensure safety, it is advised to identify and collect wild plants under the guidance of professionals, so as to avoid accidentally ingesting toxic plants that may cause harm to health. Before gathering plants in the wild, it is recommended to first learn about local plant species and related knowledge, or consult with experienced individuals. In addition, even edible wild plants should be thoroughly washed before consumption.

Generally speaking, false shepherd's purse is not recommended for consumption. The specific analysis is as follows:

There are various types of false shepherd's purse, such as Lepidium apetalum. These plants bear some resemblance to true shepherd's purse in appearance but have subtle differences. Without professional botanical knowledge, it is difficult to accurately distinguish between them. Mistaken collection and consumption might pose health risks. Moreover, certain types of false shepherd's purse may contain harmful substances. For example, some may contain alkaloids, glycosides, and other compounds that can adversely affect the digestive and nervous systems after consumption, potentially causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other poisoning symptoms. In severe cases, it may even endanger life.

To ensure safety, it is recommended to identify and collect wild plants under the guidance of professionals, to avoid accidental ingestion of toxic plants and consequent harm to health. Before picking wild plants in the field, it is advisable to first learn about local plant species and related knowledge or consult experienced individuals. At the same time, even edible wild plants should be thoroughly washed before consumption and cooked properly to kill any potentially present bacteria and parasites.

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If osteoporosis is in its early stages and daily intake of calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients can be adequately maintained, consuming shepherd's purse in moderation can help supplement calcium and dietary fiber. These components contribute to maintaining skeletal metabolic balance and may provide certain support for bone health. However, if osteoporosis is already severe, or if no interventions such as medication or exercise are implemented, the nutritional components in shepherd's purse cannot reverse bone loss.

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Can strawberries and wild vegetables be eaten together?

Under normal circumstances, bayberry and wild vegetables can be consumed together. Bayberry is rich in nutrients such as vitamin C and organic acids, while wild vegetables like shepherd's purse and Kalimeris indica contain abundant dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Consuming them together can provide various nutrients required by the human body, promote digestion and absorption, and enhance immunity. However, excessive consumption should be avoided.

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What should not be eaten with shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)?

Shepherd's purse, an annual or biennial herbaceous plant of the genus Capsella in the Brassicaceae family, also known as ground cherry or protective life herb. It is widely distributed in temperate regions and commonly found in fields, along roadsides, and in courtyards. It is rich in vitamin C, carotene, and minerals such as calcium and iron. Traditional Chinese medicine considers the whole herb to be effective for diuresis, hemostasis, clearing heat, and improving vision. Modern research indicates it contains active components like shepherd's purse acid, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.

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How to season and prepare a delicious shepherd's purse filling

First, wash the shepherd's purse thoroughly and blanch it in boiling water. Then cool it in cold water, drain well, and chop finely. This process removes the raw, astringent taste of the shepherd's purse while preserving its freshness, laying the foundation for a delicious filling. Select pork with an appropriate ratio of fat to lean meat, and mince it into ground meat. The fat in the pork helps to keep the shepherd's purse moist and prevents it from becoming dry. Mix the ground pork and chopped shepherd's purse in a ratio of 1:2, then add chopped scallions, ginger, salt, light soy sauce, cooking wine, and other seasonings.

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How to Make Delicious Shepherd's Purse Meatballs

Blanch the shepherd's purse in boiling water, then remove and rinse with cold water. Squeeze out the excess moisture and chop finely. This process removes the bitter taste of the shepherd's purse while preserving its fresh aroma, adding a natural freshness to the meatballs. Finely mince the pork with both lean and fatty portions and mix with the chopped shepherd's purse in a 1:1 ratio. Add salt, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, minced scallion, and ginger, then stir thoroughly until well combined. This ensures the meatballs will have the rich flavor of meat along with the refreshing taste of shepherd's purse.

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Select fresh and tender shepherd's purse, wash it clean, and then blanch it in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until the shepherd's purse becomes soft. Remove it and immediately rinse with cold water, then squeeze out the excess water. This process removes the raw, astringent taste of the shepherd's purse while preserving its vibrant green color and fresh aroma. Pair the shepherd's purse with ingredients such as dried tofu and wood ear mushrooms. The soy fragrance of the tofu and the crisp texture of the mushrooms will enhance the overall mouthfeel. Cut all ingredients into fine strips or small cubes, then mix well with the shepherd's purse.

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The Medicinal Value of Shepherd's Purse

Shepherd's purse is a common wild vegetable with tender green leaves that have serrated or lobed edges and grow close to the ground. It produces small white flowers in spring, and its fruit is small and heart-shaped, making it easy to identify. It commonly grows in fields and along roadsides. Rich in vitamins and minerals, especially calcium, it helps to supplement nutrition. Shepherd's purse is a seasonal wild vegetable that combines good flavor with health benefits.

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Can shepherd's purse be eaten raw?

Shepherd's purse is a common wild vegetable with tender green leaves that have serrated or lobed edges and grow close to the ground. It produces small white flowers in spring, and its fruit is small and heart-shaped, making it easily identifiable. It commonly grows in fields and along roadsides. Rich in vitamins and minerals, especially calcium, it helps to supplement nutrition. However, shepherd's purse generally contains high levels of oxalic acid, so it is not recommended to eat it raw.

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