The efficacy and function of shepherd's purse

Shepherd's purse seeds are very familiar to everyone. Shepherd's purse seeds have a long history and have good effects on regulating the body and treating diseases. They are a good choice for health preservation. Let’s take a look together.

[Other names] Shepherd's purse (Erya), Capsella foetida (Food Nature Materia Medica), Shepherd's purse (Compendium of Materia Medica), Zongzi (Northeast Medicinal Plants).

[Source] It is the seeds of shepherd's purse, a plant of the cruciferous family. When the fruits are ripe at the summer solstice, pick the fruit branches, dry them in the sun and rub out the seeds.

[Habitat distribution] It is produced in most parts of the country.

[Properties] The dried seeds are small, about 0.8 mm long, brown in color, and when observed under a magnifying glass, they are oblate, with one end blunt and the other slightly narrow with a white hilum. There are long circular grooves on both sides, forming a long bulge in the center.

[Chemical composition] The green peel of the fruit contains diosmin. The seeds contain 22.5% fatty oil.

[Pharmacological Action] Dioscorea glycoside has a vitamin P-like effect. Its effect in reducing the permeability of rabbit capillaries is stronger than rutin, and its effect in treating increased capillary fragility is better than rutin, and its toxicity is lower.

【Nature and flavor】 "Compendium of Materia Medica": "sweet, mild, non-toxic."

【Functions and indications】Removing wind and improving eyesight. Treat eye pain, amblyopia, and cataract.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral administration: decoct in water, 3 to 5 qian.

[Additional prescription] For treating jaundice: 1 to 2 liang of shepherd's purse seeds and 1 to 2 liang of Isatis indigotica root or leaves. Decoction in water. (Hunan Pharmacopoeia)

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

[Source] From "Qian Jin. Food Therapy"

Through the above introduction, I found that shepherd's purse seeds have so many pharmacological effects, and they also have good effects on some diseases. In fact, there may be many "treasures" around our lives, but most of the time we don’t have a heart that is good at discovering them.