Plant Profile: Shepherd's Purse

Shepherd's Purse

(Capsella bursa pastoris)

Family: CRUCIFEREA

Energetics: Neutral

Taste: Pungent & Sweet. 

Tissue States: 

Systems Affected: Uterus. Urinary system. 

Parts Used: Leaf. Stem. Seed. 

Key Components: Tannins. Tyramine. Choline acetylcholine. Oxytocin. Volatile oils. Resin. Saponins. Flavonoids. Diosmine. Potassium. 

Preparations & dosage: Tincture: Food: Add to salads & other vegetable dishes. 

Actions: 
Foundational: Astringent. Stimulant.
Primary: Uterine stimulant. Diuretic. 
Secondary:

Uses: 

Stop Hemorrhaging. Powerful plant to have on hand in the event of excessive bleeding after birth. 

Excessive bleeding during menstruation or postpartum, but also used to stimulate absent menstruation. Perhaps in this case it is amphoteric. 

Endometriosis. Michael Tierra recommends 30 drops every 1/2 hour to relieve symptoms and excessive bleeding associated with endometriosis. As symptoms subside you can taper off. 

Cystitis. 

First aid for nosebleeds, deep cuts. 

Diarrhea & dysentery. If this is what you have available, it will work though there are others that are more specific for this problem such as blackberry root. 

A gentle diuretic useful for water retention caused by kidney problems. 

Combines well with: Yarrow. 

Identifying: 

Growing:

Harvesting: Best used fresh or tinctured for later use as it does not dry/store well. David Hoffman says it can be found and harvested from February through October. I think this could possibly be true in his area of what I believe is northern CA. I believe that season is probably shorter in our zone 5b growing season in North Western, MA. 

Contraindications: None known

Sources: 

Herbal Healing for Women: Rosemary Gladstar. Pg 254-255
The Complete Herbs Sourcebook: David Hoffman. Pg 315
The Way of Herbs: Michael Tierra. Pg 192-193

Studies:


This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, nor is it intended to replace medical advice. For educational purposes only.