The Benefits, Uses, and Contraindications of Shepherd's Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)
Disease description:
Relatively overweight and need to lose weight effectively. Recently, I have been avoiding high-calorie foods. I recently heard that consuming shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) may help with weight loss, and I would like to learn more about its benefits and effects. What are the functions, benefits, and禁忌 (contraindications/precautions) of shepherd's purse?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Functions and Benefits of Shepherd's Purse:
1. Clears heat and detoxifies: Shepherd's purse is cool in nature and helps remove internal heat toxins, providing some relief for symptoms such as mouth ulcers and sore throat.
2. Promotes urination and reduces edema: Rich in potassium, shepherd's purse helps promote water excretion in the body and may assist in treating edema and urinary difficulties.
3. Enhances digestion: High in dietary fiber, it stimulates intestinal motility, aids digestion, and helps prevent constipation.
4. Boosts immunity: Contains vitamin C and various minerals such as iron and calcium, which can strengthen the immune system and improve disease resistance.
5. Protects vision: Rich in beta-carotene, it benefits eye health and helps prevent night blindness and other eye conditions.
6. Lowers blood pressure: Certain components in shepherd's purse help dilate blood vessels and reduce blood pressure, making it suitable for consumption by individuals with hypertension.
Precautions and Contraindications:
1. Use with caution by pregnant and lactating women: Shepherd's purse may cause uterine contractions and could potentially induce miscarriage or affect milk secretion in pregnant or nursing women.
2. Avoid consuming together with animal liver: The plant acids in shepherd's purse may interfere with iron absorption, thereby reducing iron absorption rates when consumed together with animal liver.
