Pea shoot (Pisum sativum)
Synopsis of pea shoot
Pea shoots are the young, tender green tips of the pea plant (Pisum sativum), including the stems, leaves, and tendrils. They are harvested early in the growth cycle and prized both culinarily and nutritionally for their mild, sweet flavor and dense nutrient profile. Though not traditionally used as a concentrated medicinal herb, pea shoots are increasingly valued in functional nutrition for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic-supportive properties.
Pea shoots are rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, folate, fiber, and chlorophyll, as well as minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium. They also contain polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids, which provide antioxidant protection against oxidative stress. This makes them supportive of immune health, skin repair, eye health, and cellular regeneration.
Pea shoots have been shown in preliminary studies to help regulate blood sugar, making them beneficial for individuals with prediabetes or metabolic syndrome. Their high fiber and low-calorie content also support weight management, digestive health, and detoxification. Due to their chlorophyll content, they may aid in alkalizing the body and promoting wound healing.
In integrative wellness contexts, they’re often included in green powders, fresh juices, and live food diets, where their high enzyme and phytonutrient content contributes to increased vitality and recovery.
Historical Use in Medicine
While mature peas have been used for thousands of years in both food and traditional medicine across Asia, the shoots themselves were historically more of a seasonal delicacy than a formal remedy. However, in Chinese folk medicine, young greens—including pea shoots—were consumed as part of spring cleansing diets, thought to clear internal heat, support the liver, and invigorate blood flow.
In Eastern culinary traditions, especially in Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine, pea shoots have been valued for centuries as a nutrient-rich, easily digested green. Their use often coincided with periods of convalescence, postpartum care, or detoxification, where fresh, green vegetables were prescribed to restore vitality.
Modern research into microgreens and sprout nutrition has brought renewed attention to pea shoots for their high concentrations of antioxidants, often surpassing those in mature plants. In this context, pea shoots are considered a functional food—not a pharmacological herb but a potent nutrient source that can reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and support graceful aging.
Pea shoot is used for these health conditions
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)
pea shoot is used to support these body systems
Hair (Scientific)
