Shepherd’s Purse ~ Capsella bursa-pastoris

Shepherd’s Purse

Latin name: Capsella bursa-pastoris

Family: Brassicaceae

Part used: aerial herb

Habitat: common to many parts of the world

Main constituents: flavonoids, polypeptides

Energetics: spicy taste, drying, highly astringent

Main herbal actions: hemostatic, diuretic, tonic to pelvic organs

Minor herbal actions: anti-hemorrhagic, urinary antiseptic, antipyretic, anti-ulcer

Main medicinal uses: atonic catarrhal conditions and passive hemorrhage from the uterus, hemorrhoids, bleeding fibroid tumors, menorrhagia and merorrhagia, diarrhea, gout

Minor medicinal uses: atony and prolapse of pelvic organs

Preparations: infusion: 1-2 Tbsp/cup water (typical), 15 grams (Khalsa); 1:2 fresh tincture: 20-60 gtt qd-qid

Contraindications: pregnancy

Toxicity: unknown

Sources: Sharol Tilgner, N.D.: Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth; Wren, R.C. Potter’s New Encyclopedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations