🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Crab has long been praised as having "four flavors." "Leg meat" is short, fine fibers, tasting like dried abalone; "small leg meat" is long and tender, resembling silver fish; "body meat" is white and translucent, superior to white fish; "crab roe" contains abundant essential proteins, fats, phospholipids, and vitamins, making it highly nutritious. Although crab is delicious, some people experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting after eating it. Therefore, we must emphasize—
While crab is delicious and has medicinal value, some people suffer from abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea due to unhygienic practices causing food poisoning. Hence, pay attention to the following seven "don’ts":
Do not eat raw crab
Crabs generally feed on animal carcasses or decaying matter, so their surface, gills, and gastrointestinal tract harbor various bacteria and mud. Crabs often carry lung fluke cysts and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Without high-temperature sterilization, lung flukes can damage human lungs. If Vibrio parahaemolyticus enters the body in large quantities, it can cause infectious poisoning, manifesting as intestinal inflammation, swelling, and congestion. Therefore, crabs must be fully steamed or boiled—after boiling, continue heating for over 30 minutes to ensure disinfection.
Do not eat stored cooked crab
Prepared cooked crabs are prone to bacterial contamination if stored. Crabs should be cooked and eaten immediately. If leftovers remain, store them in a clean, cool, ventilated place (preferably in the refrigerator). Before eating, reheat thoroughly.
Do not chew indiscriminately
When eating crab, observe four removals: First, remove the crab stomach (known as "crab urine pouch"), located as a triangular hard mass near the front edge of the back shell, containing sand and dirt. Second, remove the crab intestine—a dark line running from the stomach to the crab’s tail. Third, remove the crab heart (also known as the "six-corner plate"). Fourth, remove the crab gills—two rows of soft, hair-like structures under the abdomen, commonly called "crab eyebrows." These parts are dirty and lack edible value; never chew them casually to avoid food poisoning.
Do not eat excessively
Even if tempted, restrain yourself: crab meat is cold in nature and should not be overconsumed. Those with weak spleen and stomach especially need to beware to avoid abdominal pain and diarrhea. For abdominal pain and diarrhea caused by eating crab, use 15 grams of warm-natured Chinese herb Zi Su (Perilla), combined with 5–6 slices of ginger, decoct and drink.
Do not consume with tea
Avoid drinking tea during or within one hour after eating crab. Hot water dilutes gastric acid, and tea causes certain crab components to coagulate, hindering digestion and absorption, possibly causing abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Do not eat with persimmons
Avoid combining crab and persimmons. Persimmon tannins cause crab proteins to coagulate. Coagulated substances remain in the intestines for extended periods, fermenting and spoiling, potentially triggering vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Patients should not eat crab
Delicious crab is not suitable for everyone. Though tender and flavorful, crab is rich in nutrition—its protein content exceeds that of pork and fish by several times, and it contains high levels of riboflavin, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and vitamin A. However, due to its cold nature and high protein and cholesterol content, certain individuals with specific conditions should avoid or limit consumption. For example:
• Patients suffering from colds, fever, stomach pain, or diarrhea should avoid crab, as it may worsen their condition.
• Individuals with chronic gastritis, duodenal ulcers, cholecystitis, gallstones, or active hepatitis should refrain from eating crab to prevent aggravation.
• Crab roe contains high cholesterol; those with coronary heart disease, hypertension, atherosclerosis, or high blood lipids should eat little or avoid it to prevent worsening of illness.
• People with allergies may experience nausea, vomiting, or hives after eating crab.
• Those with weak spleen and stomach should eat sparingly or avoid crab, as it may trigger abdominal pain and diarrhea. If this occurs, use 15 grams of Zi Su and 5 slices of ginger, decoct and drink to relieve pain and stop diarrhea.