Shepherd's Purse

Capsella bursa-pastoris

Caseweed Mother's-heart Shepherd's Purse Shovelweed Parts used Uses Habitat and cultivation Research Constituents Applications Revitalizing spring salad

Shepherd's purse is a white-flowered, weedy, annual herb. Shepherd's purse is a member of the widespread mustard family. Its tiny blossoms grow in the form of a four-armed cross.

Here's one for your natural emergency kit: Include some shepherd's purse, because it's outstanding for stopping all forms of bleeding very quickly. If a persistent nosebleed fails to respond to other conventional treatments, then soak some cotton balls with a little bit of the tea, squeeze out the excess liquid, and insert them into the nostrils to quell further hemorrhaging.

For internal use, drink one-half cup of the tea every hour on the hour, as necessary, but do so on an empty stomach for greatest effects. Externally, the cold tea may be applied to any wound with saturated cloth compresses or by holding wet cotton balls firmly against the wound until the bleeding eventually ceases. Scratches, skin ulcers and bites are similarly treated.

This is also one of the very best teas for a woman to drink following hemorrhaging after childbirth. The tea should be taken cold and several cups at a time. Shepherd's purse is also marvelous for bloody urine and stool as well as bleeding from the lungs.

Here's how to make the dynamic tea for theses serious medical problems. Bring a pint of water to a boil. Add two tablespoons dried shepherd's purse. Cover, remove from heat, and steep for 45 minutes. Strain and refrigerate. Best used when cold.

PARTS USED

Aerial parts.

USES

One of the best remedies for preventing or arresting hemorrhage, shepherd's purse has long been a specific treatment for heavy uterine bleeding. While weaker-acting in this respect than ergot, shepherd's purse is less toxic and so better tolerated by the body. Shepherd's purse may be used for bleeding of all kinds, from nosebleeds to blood in the urine. An astringent herb, it disinfects the urinary tract in cases of cystitis, and is taken for diarrhea. Shepherd's purse is used in Chinese medicine for dysentery and eye problems.

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

Thought to be native to Europe and Asia, shepherd's purse is now found throughout most temperate regions, and grows profusely as a weed. Shepherd's purse is harvested throughout the year.

RESEARCH

Reports suggest that shepherd's purse is anti-inflammatory and reduces fever. Do not take during pregnancy.

CONSTITUENTS

Shepherd's purse contains flavonoids, polypeptides, choline, acetylcholine, histamine, and tyramine, vitamins A, B, C.

APPLICATIONS

AERIAL PARTS:

INFUSION - Take for heavy menstrual bleeding, cystitis, and diarrhea. A strong infusion (twice the standard mix) of fresh or freshly dried herb is best. Sip a hot infusion during labor to stimulate contractions, and after delivery to ease postpartum bleeding.

TINCTURE - Take up to 10 ml, three times a day, for heavy menstrual bleeding, cystitis, and diarrhea.

POULTICE - Apply the fresh herb to bleeding wounds.

COMPRESS - Soak a pad in the infusion for cuts. For nosebleeds, soak small cotton swabs in the tincture and insert in the nostril.

REVITALIZING SPRING SALAD

In equal parts:

• shepherd's purse leaves
• plantain leaves
• sheep sorrel leaves
• chickweed leaves
• daisy leaves
• homemade vinaigrette

Wash and spin-dry the plants. Season to taste.
Eat as quickly as possible once the plants have been picked.