- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Originally eastern Europe and Asia Minor; now a weed worldwide. Capsella bursa-pastoris
- Traditions
- Western herbal medicine
Europe · Herb · № 69
Capsella bursa-pastoris
Herb · Europe
Shepherd's purse
Capsella bursa-pastoris
Traditionally used to slow bleeding, such as heavy periods or nosebleeds. Clinical evidence is very limited.
Safety notes
Heavy or unexplained bleeding needs a doctor. Avoid in pregnancy.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Herbal medicine worldwide: Not in pregnancy (except during labour).
Preparation
The fresh or dried herb as tea or tincture. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
Ody describes shepherd's purse as a styptic herb in the Western tradition. In China it is eaten as a vegetable (ji cai), for example in dumplings.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Astringent, stops bleeding, urinary antiseptic, promotes circulation, lowers blood pressure.
Preparation and amount
Tincture up to 10 ml 3 times a day for heavy uterine bleeding, cystitis with blood in the urine and chronic diarrhoea; strong tea; warm tea during labour; fresh herb on bleeding wounds; cotton bud with tincture for nosebleeds.
Caution: Not in pregnancy (except during labour).
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)Tincture