Condition
Treatment Support
anti-hemorrhagic
Application
fresh plant tincture
Shepherd’s Purse
(Capsella bursa-pastoris)
Botanical Information
An annual or perennial in the Mustard family with lanceolate, sometimes toothed leaves, mostly clustered at the base of the stem, and white flowers and small purse-shaped fruits.
Working with Shepherd’s Purse
Part(s) Used
Herb
Herb Forms
Tincture, capsule, bulk herb.
Shepherd’s purse is an effective diuretic and astringent used for nosebleed, water retention, and diarrhea. It is famous for checking excessive menstrual flow or postpartum bleeding. When used as a hemostatic, the fresh tincture should be taken every hour or two. The herb loses its potency rapidly, and a good-quality "fresh-plant" tincture should be stored in a cool place out of the direct sunlight. It will retain its potency for 6-9 months.
In Europe, shepherd’s purse tincture is recommended for lowering mild high blood pressure.
The tincture is the most effective way to take this herb. For average use, 1-3 dropperfuls 2-3 x daily is sufficient. To stop postpartum bleeding, heavy menstrual flows, or hemorrhage, take 1/2 or even 1 tsp of the tincture every 1/2 hour. Watch for heart palpitations, and reduce the dose if these occur.
Shepherd’s Purse has a taste of PUNGENT, SWEET and a temperature of NEUTRAL.
Cautions
Avoid during pregnancy or if you have a history of kidney stones.
Conditions treated with Shepherd’s Purse
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
hypotensive
Application
tincture, capsules, tea
Condition
Treatment Support
hemostatic
Application
fresh plant tincture internally
Condition
Treatment Support
antihemorrhagic
Application
fresh plant tincture
Condition
Treatment Support
astringent
Application
fresh plant tincture
Condition
Treatment Support
uterine astringent
Application
fresh plant tincture
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
