Shepherd's Purse
냉이 (薺菜) · Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik.
Qi-regulating herb
Warm
Sweet
Liver, Spleen, Stomach
NatureWarm
TasteSweet
MeridiansLiver, Spleen, Stomach
Part usedWhole plant
FamilyBrassicaceae
CategoryQi-regulating herb
Find by concern: Poor appetite
Overview
Shepherd's purse is the classic early-spring wild green in Korean cooking, and the Donguibogam notes its remarkable hardiness — it survives through winter without dying, and even sprouts again in mid-autumn when yang qi briefly stirs within the yin season.
In the Donguibogam
東醫
寶鑑
寶鑑
性溫, 味甘, 無毒. 利肝氣, 和中, 利五藏.
Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)
TranslationIts nature is warm, its taste sweet, and it is non-toxic. It benefits liver qi, harmonizes the middle, and benefits the five viscera.
Traditional functions
- Benefits liver qi
- Harmonizes digestion
- Benefits the five viscera
- Brightens the eyes (as porridge)
Traditional applications
- Poor appetite or weak digestion
- General qi stagnation discomfort
- Seasonal spring fatigue
Traditional preparation
Eaten regularly as a spring vegetable or in porridge; the seed and root are recorded separately for eye conditions.
Cautions
Caution: A mild, food-grade herb; the classics note eating it as porridge draws blood back to the liver and brightens the eyes. Consult a professional for medicinal use.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the Donguibogam mention shepherd's purse surviving winter?
It notes the plant's unusual hardiness — surviving through winter without dying, and even sprouting again in mid-autumn when yang qi briefly stirs within the yin season.
What is shepherd's purse's main traditional use?
Benefiting liver qi and harmonizing digestion — the Donguibogam also notes that eating it as porridge draws blood back to the liver and brightens the eyes.
Sources
- 동의보감 탕액편 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 한의학고전DB 탕액편 대조 검증 완료 (DATA-001)
- 한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)
DonguiHub is an educational and informational platform about the history and tradition of Korean medicine. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about health conditions and before using any herb.