Bitter Herb (Bitter Beneficial Herb)

Bitter Herb (Bitter Beneficial Herb)

　　Also known as sow thistle, it is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family. It is rich in protein and various vitamins. Its tender leaves can be harvested and eaten; when raw, they have a slightly bitter taste. Blanching in boiling water and soaking in clean water can remove the bitterness. Bitter herb can be stir-fried with meat or eggs, used in soups, or mixed with soybean flour to make a type of small tofu. It can also be blanched in boiling water and seasoned before eating. Bitter herb is bitter and cold in nature. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, it has the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, and cooling the blood. It can be used to treat mastitis, upper respiratory tract infections, and acute pharyngitis. Stir-fried bitter herb with chicken is considered an excellent medicinal dish for treating postpartum vomiting and abdominal pain. (Qingyuan)