Shepherd's Purse Herb — Safety & Interactions
Ji Cai · Herba Capsellae
Contraindications
- Pregnancy — acetylcholine and choline content stimulate uterine contractions; traditionally contraindicated in pregnancy due to uterotonic activity
- Cold-pattern bleeding without Heat signs (pale blood, cold abdomen, no fever) — cool-natured herb would worsen Cold deficiency bleeding
Cautions
- Standard dose: 15–30 g dried herb in decoction; 30–60 g fresh herb
- Anticoagulant medications (warfarin): high vitamin K1 content may reduce anticoagulant efficacy — monitor INR if consumed regularly in large quantities as a food herb
- Thyroid medications: very high daily intake (well above therapeutic doses) of glucosinolate-containing Brassicaceae plants may theoretically affect thyroid hormone synthesis; not a concern at standard therapeutic doses
- Generally considered safe at culinary and standard therapeutic doses based on millennia of continuous use as a vegetable across East Asia and the Mediterranean
Drug Interactions
| Drug Class / Substrate | Mechanism | Severity | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warfarin and vitamin K antagonists — regular high-dose consumption may reduce anticoagulant effect via vitamin K1 content; monitor INR | |||
Pregnancy
Not recommended during pregnancy. Consult a qualified practitioner before any use.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal medicines, especially if you take prescription medications.