Is it safe to eat the barnacles on crabs?

Goose barnacles on crabs can be eaten, but consumption should be done under the guidance of professional doctors to avoid blindly eating them and potentially harming one's health. Goose barnacles are parasites that attach to crabs. They are non-toxic and can also be used as traditional Chinese medicinal materials, with effects of neutralizing acidity, relieving pain, detoxifying, and treating sores. Under a doctor's guidance, taking goose barnacles can alleviate symptoms such as scalds and burns, stomach acidity, pediatric scalp abscesses, and carbuncles and swellings with toxin. Therefore, goose barnacles attached to crabs can also be eaten, and moderate consumption generally poses no significant harm to the body. If patients are allergic to goose barnacles, eating crabs with goose barnacles may cause allergic reactions such as skin itching, rashes, and redness and swelling. Crabs are cold-natured foods, and excessive consumption may irritate the gastric mucosa, leading to discomfort such as abdominal pain and diarrhea, which is detrimental to health. While eating crabs, patients should pay attention to eating a light diet and avoid consuming them with other cold-natured foods, as this can easily lead to the accumulation of coldness in the body, causing symptoms such as cold hands and feet and abdominal pain. At the same time, they should avoid consuming crabs with stimulating foods, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. It is also important to drink more water and rest well. If patients experience discomfort after eating, they should seek medical attention promptly.