Shepherd's Purse
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
寶鑑
Traditional uses recorded in the Donguibogam
- Benefits liver qi
- Harmonizes digestion
- Benefits the five viscera
- Brightens the eyes (as porridge)
Traditional applications recorded in the classical text
- 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.
This describes traditional preparation recorded in the classics, not a recommendation for use today. DonguiHub does not provide dosage guidance — consult a qualified professional before using any herb.
Cautions
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, 허준, 1613 (원문) — 한문 원문
- 한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 원문 및 국역 자료 참조