noun
shepherd's purse
A common weed with small white flowers and heart-shaped seed pods, often used in the traditional seven-herb rice porridge (七草粥) in Japan.
春になると、道端にナズナがたくさん生えている。
In spring, a lot of shepherd's purse grows along the roadside.
七草粥にはナズナも入れる。
Shepherd's purse is also put into the seven-herb rice porridge.
The name なずな is of uncertain origin; it may be derived from 撫で菜 (nadenade), referring to the plant's use in a traditional children's game where the seed pods are rubbed.