Shepherd’s Purse: Benefits, Uses and Precautions

Dr. Boris Wydoff

Shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) is a wild-growing plant traditionally used in herbal medicine primarily as a hemostatic remedy. According to reference books, the herb contains bursin and organic acids. Herbal guides describe the use of the plant in the form of a decoction and liquid extract.

What kind of plant is shepherd’s purse and how can you recognize it?

Common shepherd’s purse is familiar to many people as an ordinary weed. It grows near humans, but at the same time it belongs to medicinal plants that have long been studied in herbal medicine.

According to reference descriptions, the plant is widespread across almost the entire territory of the former USSR. Exceptions include some northern regions of Siberia and Central Asia. Shepherd’s purse can be found in fields, gardens, near homes, along roads and ditches.

The name is connected with the shape of its fruits. They resemble small purses that shepherds used to carry. For medicinal purposes, the herb of the plant — the above-ground part — is used.

Reference books on medicinal plants note that different plants use different parts: for some, it is flowers; for others, leaves or roots. With shepherd’s purse, it is specifically the herb that is harvested.

The plant also has food uses. Young leaves are used in some countries to prepare salads, soups, spicy sauces, okroshka, kvass and other drinks. The seeds can serve as a substitute for mustard and pepper.

History of using shepherd’s purse

Shepherd’s purse has been known as a medicinal plant since ancient times. Descriptions of medicinal plants state that it was used in Ancient Greece and Rome. In traditional medicine, the plant was associated with use for conditions related to the uterus.

In Europe during the Middle Ages, shepherd’s purse was used as a hemostatic plant. Old Russian herbal books included descriptions of its use “against bleeding of all kinds.” Interest in the plant increased again during World War I, when the need for remedies used for bleeding became especially high.

How to distinguish shepherd’s purse from other plants?

Shepherd’s purse belongs to plants that often grow near people and can appear among other weeds. It is recognized by its characteristic fruits — small, flat, triangular pods resembling a shepherd’s purse.

When collecting the plant, it is important to make sure that it is indeed shepherd’s purse and not another wild-growing plant. For medicinal raw material, the herb with leafy and flowering shoots is used.

Shepherd’s purse: benefits and properties described in herbal guides

According to herbal medicine reference books, the main traditional use of shepherd’s purse is associated with its hemostatic effect.

In old herbal guides, the plant was described as a remedy used for bleeding of various origins. In folk medicine, the herb and plant juice were used for pulmonary, stomach and intestinal bleeding.

Reference books also state that shepherd’s purse herb contains the alkaloid bursin. Its composition includes bursal, ascorbic, malic and citric acids, as well as other poorly studied substances.

I want to emphasize: traditional use of a plant does not mean that it replaces examination or treatment. In case of bleeding, it is important to determine the cause of the condition together with a doctor.

How is the plant connected with different body systems?

In books about medicinal plants, shepherd’s purse is primarily associated with the circulatory system. It is described as a plant traditionally used to stop bleeding. Herbal guides separately mention its use for conditions related to women’s health. In folk practice, the plant was used for uterine bleeding and painful menstruation. At the same time, any bleeding requires medical evaluation. This is especially important in cases that are severe, recurring or unusual. Shepherd’s purse should not replace diagnosis.

Some descriptions of folk medicine mention the use of the plant for different conditions, including stomach disorders, blood pressure issues, liver diseases, urinary system problems and joint complaints. These statements refer to traditional use. For chronic conditions, the plant should only be considered as an addition to prescribed treatment. Discuss its use with a doctor and do not stop medications.

What uses does this plant have and in what forms is it used?

According to medicinal plant reference books, shepherd’s purse is used in preparations made from the herb. Such forms as water decoction and liquid extract are described. One reference book lists a water decoction of shepherd’s purse herb as a hemostatic remedy.

Herbal guides also describe multi-component decoctions that included shepherd’s purse together with other plants. In one version, such a decoction was used internally and externally as a hemostatic remedy.

I do not recommend creating complex herbal mixtures on your own. Each plant has its own characteristics of use and safety limitations.

How to brew shepherd’s purse?

Reference books describe the use of shepherd’s purse in the form of a water decoction. However, specific home proportions of water and herb for preparing a drink are not provided in the descriptions. Therefore, it is not possible to give a universal dosage for independent preparation. When choosing a pharmacy product, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If a person takes medications, has chronic diseases or wants to use the plant for a long time, it is better to discuss its use with a specialist.

How to drink and take shepherd’s purse?

Herbal guides describe the use of decoction and liquid extract. The method of use depends on the specific form of the preparation. Do not increase the amount of the plant in the hope of getting a stronger effect. Large doses may increase the risk of unwanted reactions. In conditions associated with bleeding, it is important to first understand the cause of the problem. A herbal remedy should not delay seeking medical help.

Other traditional uses

Old descriptions of folk medicine mention not only the use of shepherd’s purse for bleeding. The herb was used for various conditions: stomach diseases, digestive disorders, inflammatory processes of the urinary system and some other complaints.

The use of the plant for hypertension, liver diseases, rheumatic conditions and gout was also described. These statements refer to traditional use and are not proof of treating diseases.

What does this herb contain?

According to herbal medicine reference books, the main described substances in the herb are the alkaloid bursin, bursal, ascorbic, malic and citric acids. Other compounds that have not been sufficiently studied are also mentioned. Books on medicinal plants note that active substances determine the properties of medicinal raw materials. This is why proper harvesting, drying and storage of the herb are important.

Nutritional value of the plant

Shepherd’s purse is known not only as a medicinal plant. Young leaves are eaten in some countries because they contain vitamins. They are added to salads, soups, sauces and other dishes. The plant is also described as being used for preparing okroshka, kvass and other drinks. The seeds were previously used as a substitute for mustard and pepper. This use is related not to medicinal properties, but to the plant’s food qualities.

How to properly collect and store it?

Shepherd’s purse is harvested as an herb. According to reference books, herbs are collected during flowering. During this period, they contain the maximum amount of active substances. With shepherd’s purse, leafy and flowering shoots are cut. The herb should be cut with scissors, a sickle or a knife rather than pulled out by the roots.

This method helps preserve the quality of the raw material. Pulling out the plant can introduce soil into the herb, which worsens its condition. For some plants, this type of harvesting can lead to the destruction of growth areas.

After collection, the herb should be dried immediately. Dried raw material should be stored away from moisture and contamination. Before use, check the appearance of the herb. The raw material should not show signs of spoilage.

Shepherd’s purse for bleeding: what is known?

In folk medicine, shepherd’s purse has traditionally been used for different types of bleeding. Such information appears in old herbal guides and descriptions of medicinal plants. The use of the plant for uterine bleeding has also been described. However, the causes of bleeding can be different, so medical examination is important in such situations. Shepherd’s purse can only be considered as an addition to prescribed treatment. Discuss its use with a doctor and do not stop medications.

How to find shepherd’s purse abroad

In different countries, shepherd’s purse can be searched for under local names:

USA: Shepherd’s purse (also shepherd’s-purse), Latin name — Capsella bursa-pastoris.

Germany: Hirtentäschel, Hirtentäschelkraut (also Gemeines Hirtentäschel), Latin name — Capsella bursa-pastoris.

France: Bourse-à-pasteur, bourse à pasteur (also capselle bourse-à-pasteur), Latin name — Capsella bursa-pastoris.

It is usually sold as:

• dried chopped above-ground herb for preparing infusions;
• tea blends or herbal tea;
• tinctures and mother tinctures;
• capsules or tablets with plant powder or extract.

You can look for the plant in herbal shops, pharmacies, natural product stores, specialized herb sellers and pharmacy websites.

When searching abroad, it is useful to check several names because the same plant may be listed differently depending on the country. The Latin name Capsella bursa-pastoris helps avoid confusion. Pay attention to the plant part indicated on the package and choose products from sellers who provide clear information about origin and quality.

On the package, check:

• the Latin name Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik.;
• the indicated plant part: herba, aerial parts, parties aériennes, Kraut or blühendes Kraut;
• the product form and concentration.

Sales rules differ: in the USA, herbal supplements belong to the food product category, while in Germany and France the status of the product depends on whether it is presented as a medicinal or food product.

Contraindications and precautions

According to current safety data, shepherd’s purse has not been sufficiently studied in human research. Pregnancy is a reason to avoid using the plant. A possible risk of miscarriage and influence on uterine contractions are indicated. Shepherd’s purse should not be used during breastfeeding because reliable safety data are insufficient. Children should not use the plant without consulting a specialist, as there is not enough information about safety in children.

People with thyroid diseases should not use shepherd’s purse on their own. Possible effects on thyroid function or interactions with treatment are possible. Caution is needed with heart diseases, blood pressure disorders and a tendency to palpitations. Changes in blood pressure and palpitations have been described, especially when consuming large amounts. If there are kidney stones or a history of kidney stone disease, the plant should not be used.

Possible interactions with medications should be considered. Caution is required when taking medicines that affect blood clotting, blood pressure medications, heart medications, thyroid hormones and sedatives.

Before planned surgery, use of shepherd’s purse should be stopped at least 2 weeks in advance.

High doses of the plant are not considered safe. In animal studies, large amounts were associated with toxic effects: drowsiness, dilated pupils, paralysis of limbs, difficulty breathing and death of animals.

When you need a doctor

A herbal remedy does not replace diagnosis. You should see a doctor in cases of heavy or unusual bleeding, bleeding during pregnancy, severe weakness, dizziness, fainting, chest pain or difficulty breathing.

Before using shepherd’s purse, consult a specialist if a person takes medications, has chronic diseases, heart conditions or thyroid problems. Pregnant women, children and people with conditions where the plant is not recommended should not use it on their own.

Boris Wydoff — naturopath and author, Ph.D. in nutrition. For over fifty years I have helped people restore health through nutrition, cleansing and the power of the mind — in Europe, America and Asia. About the author →

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