When spring arrives, many people think of nourishing the body with rich foods such as seafood, meat, or expensive tonics. Yet in traditional Chinese food therapy, some of the most valued seasonal ingredients are far more ordinary.
One example is shepherd’s purse, a humble wild green that appears in fields, along paths, and in markets during spring. In Chinese, it is known as jìcài, or 薺菜. Though it may look like a common weed, it has long been appreciated in Chinese cooking and in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for its fresh flavor and gentle wellness-supporting qualities.
In folk tradition, shepherd’s purse has been called a treasured spring herb. Some even describe it as the “licorice among vegetables,” suggesting that it is simple, useful, and widely valued. Today, it remains a beloved seasonal food, especially for families who still follow the old wisdom of eating according to the season.
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