Shepherd’s Purse 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Shepherd’s Purse  100 g ($12.99), 50 g ($8.99), 25 g ($6.99)

Benefits
Shepherd’s purse is considered by herbalists to be one of the best herbs for stopping bleeding of all kinds, both external and internal, from superficial cuts and scrapes to internal bleeding of the stomach, the lungs, and, especially, the kidneys and urinary tract. It is prescribed mostly for slowing or stopping excessive menstrual bleeding and other uterine problems. Homeopathic remedies exist for uterine and mucous membrane bleeding.

Studies have shown that shepherd’s purse has anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and anti-ulcer properties. It both decreases and increases blood pressure in laboratory tests. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) uses shepherd’s purse to “brighten vision.” Shepherd’s purse contains some potassium and vitamin C, nutrients critical to the maintenance of vascular health in the retina. The German Commission E has approved it for symptomatic treatment of mild bleeding such as nosebleeds, menstruation, and wounds and burns. It is also approved for premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Menstrual problems and nosebleed. Shepherd’s purse stops bleeding by the action of a plant protein that acts in the body in the same way as the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin stimulates the constriction of the smooth muscles that surround blood vessels, especially those in the uterus. Chemical analysis has determined that its effects on slowing and stopping bleeding may also have to do with an ability to accelerate blood coagulation. Studies have also found a uterine-contracting property in shepherd’s purse. It also tones the uterus, which explains why women have long taken it after childbirth to help the womb return to normal size.

Recommended Uses
Shepherd’s purse is used as tincture or tea, as well as in poultices. A typical dose is 10 to 15 grams of the herb or topically 3 to 5 grams per ¾ cup of water or tea. Shepherd’s purse should not be used during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Possible side effects include enlarged pupils, neck swelling, trouble walking, and unusual drowsiness. The herb can also cause low blood pressure, respiratory paralysis, and underactive thyroid. Do not use it if you are taking digoxin, blood pressure–lowering drugs, beta blockers, or sedatives. People with heart or lung disease should use this herb with caution.

Botanical Name: Capsella bursa-pastoris
English: Shepherd’s Purse, St. James’s Wort
Also, known as: Hirtentaschel, Bourse de Pasteur, Borsa de Pastor, Borsa di Pastore, Shepherd’ bag, Shepherd’s scrip, Shepherd’s sprout, Lady’s purse, Witches’ pouches, Rattle pouches, Case- weed, Pickpocket, Pick-purse, Blind-weed, Pepper-and-salt, Poor man’s parmacettie, Sanguinary Mother’s heart, Clappede pouch, Mumiri
Origin: Bulgaria
Harvested: Wild
Parts Used: Whole plant

General Information:
Shepherd’s purse is so called from the resemblance of the flat seed-pouches of the plant to an old- fashioned common leather purse. It is similarly called in France bourse de Pasteur, and in Germany hirtentasche. The plant is green but somewhat rough with hairs. The main leaves, 1 to 5 inches long, are very variable in form either irregularly pinnatifid or entire and toothed. When not in flower, it may be distinguished by its radiating leaves, of which the outer lie close to the earth. The slender stem, which rises from the crown of the root, from the center of the rosette of radical leaves, is usually sparingly branched. It is smooth, except at the lower part, and bears a few, small, oblong leaves, arrow-shaped at the base, and above them, numerous small, white, inconspicuous flowers, which are self-fertilized and followed by wedge-shaped fruit pods, divided by narrow partitions into two cells, which contain numerous oblong yellow seeds.

Shepherd’s purse is a weed in the same plant family as broccoli, cabbage, and mustard. It is a biennial with an erect stem, a rosette of basal leaves, four-petaled white flowers, and heart-shaped seed pods. Its name derives from the appearance of the seed pods, which resemble small purses. All of the aerial (aboveground) parts of the plant are used fresh and dried in herbal medicine.

Before World War I, shepherd’s purse was used in mainstream medical practice in Britain and the United States as a remedy for uterine bleeding. During that war, when many herbs became unavailable in Britain, shepherd’s purse was used as a substitute for ergot and goldenseal, herbs more commonly used for stopping the flow of blood.

How to use:
Hot Infusion:
The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. Hot water is needed to draw out the antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, flavonoids, and volatile oils from the botanicals. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal tea with a bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.
You can make ice cubes or pops by freezing tea in ice trays or pop molds.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purposes ONLY.
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.