Water chestnut, also known as wild vegetable and shepherd's purse, is the whole root of the cruciferous plant shepherd's purse. In the spring season, tender shepherd's purse can be seen everywhere in the fields, beside the stream, and in the courtyard.

Shepherd's purse (water chestnut) contains shepherd's purse acid, which has a strong hemostatic effect. It can also expand coronary blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and has an effect similar to water chestnut, which can strengthen uterine contraction.

Water chestnut is sweet and mild in nature, moderate to cool, clears away heat and promotes dampness, and has the effect of contracting the uterus. It is better for women to eat less. It may cause irregular menstruation. Pregnant women eating too much may cause miscarriage.

Consumption of shepherd's purse by pregnant women can easily lead to pregnancy bleeding or fetal disturbance, and even lead to miscarriage. Therefore, expectant mothers should not eat shepherd's purse during pregnancy. Eating it will have very terrible consequences.

Similarly, pregnant women cannot eat purslane. Purslane is cold in nature, sour in taste, and slightly bitter. It clears away heat and detoxifies, cools blood and stops bleeding, and lowers blood sugar. It should not be eaten by those with weak spleen and stomach, diarrhea, and pregnant women, especially those with habitual abortions. It should not be eaten with pepper and turtle shells.

However, an appropriate amount of water chestnut is good for the human body, especially for women who are breastfeeding after childbirth, and can play a very good role in promoting breast milk. If you want to eat water chestnuts during pregnancy, it is best to eat eighty percent full and eat some high-protein and low-fat foods to match. This is more scientific. Water chestnut belongs to the Rhombaceae family and is an aquatic plant. Its pulp can be consumed, while the fresh rhizomes can be consumed as a vegetable.