{"id":14113,"date":"2024-10-05T11:27:33","date_gmt":"2024-10-05T10:27:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=14113"},"modified":"2025-05-23T08:56:59","modified_gmt":"2025-05-23T07:56:59","slug":"shepherds-purse","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/shepherds-purse\/","title":{"rendered":"Shepherd\u2019s purse"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":14125,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"5a5c1cfd-e27a-45eb-a53f-94df78a4308b","beyondwords_preview_token":"dd8a0849-077b-42ce-95db-4c0ec2bb9b19","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[1838,1726,1839,1635,1783],"conditions":[694,685,699,698,700,702,697],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[31,527,27,1819],"western_action":[989,992,993,996,1000,1008,1009,1023,1830,1024,1025],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[1492,1499,1487,1495,1494,1380],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-14113","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-antihemorrhagic","tag-haemostatic","tag-hypertensive","tag-hypotensive","tag-urinary-antiseptic","conditions-cardiovascular-system","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-musculoskeletal-system","conditions-reproductive-system","conditions-skin","conditions-stages-of-life","conditions-urinary-system","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-astringent-taste","sense-salty","sense-sweet","sense-umami","western_action-alterative","western_action-anti-inflammatory","western_action-antimicrobial","western_action-antirheumatic","western_action-astringent","western_action-diuretic","western_action-emmenagogue","western_action-uterine-tonic","western_action-vasoconstrictor","western_action-vasodilator","western_action-vulnerary","energetics_action-toning","energetics_action-astringent","energetics_action-dry","energetics_action-salty","energetics_action-sweet","energetics_action-warm","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20241005","herb_author":1910,"banner_text":"Shepherd\u2019s purse is a herb that helps with external or internal bleeding","latin_name":"Capsella bursa-pastoris<\/em>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Brassicaceae","herb_summary":"Shepherd\u2019s purse is used to treat excessive bleeding, including heavy menstrual periods and postpartum haemorrhage. It is a diuretic, astringent, and blood pressure-regulator.","key_benefits":"Bleeding conditions\r\nHeavy menstrual periods\r\nBladder conditions\r\nPostpartum care","how_does_it_feel":"When you make a cup of shepherd\u2019s purse tea the smell is salty, seaweedy, rich and nutritious, like the smell of a savoury vegetable soup. This indicates the rich array of nutritional constituents including vitamins and minerals.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe taste is similar, rich in savoury flavour and slightly sweet. It feels hearty and nutritious with a slight pungency but no unpleasant aftertaste. The salty and sweet tastes indicate the nutritious nature of the herb, with a high mineral content which is energising, tonifying and fortifying (1). There is a slight astringency, indicating the flavonoid content, and suggesting this herb will be drying, tonifying and suited to boggy, damp or bleeding conditions (1).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt leaves the mouth feeling slightly coated from the volatile oils, with a tackiness as the mucous membranes of the mouth tighten in response to the flavonoids. It moves through the body quickly, and you may feel the blood shifting to the periphery as a warming wave or a slight tightening in the head as the blood flow increases. <\/span>","hdif_image_1":14125,"hdif_image_2":14127,"hdif_image_3":14123,"hdif_video":"","sense":[31,527,27,1819],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"Shepherd's purse is an astringent, diuretic and antihaemorrhagic herb, which can be used to stop bleeding internally and externally (2).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt is used for its diuretic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions in urinary tract infections (UTIs) such as cystitis.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt has great value in female reproductive conditions such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menorrhagia (heavy periods), metrorrhagia (bleeding between periods), postpartum complications and haemorrhage (3,4).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nShepherd\u2019s purse will tighten inflamed tissues and reduce excessive secretions, and can be used to reduce diarrhoea, intestinal irritations and infections (2).<\/span>\r\n\r\nTopically, it is used for nosebleeds, superficial burns, wounds, bruises, and varicose veins (5).<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"[caption id=\"attachment_14125\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"477\"]\"Shepherd's Shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nShepherd\u2019s purse is warm, dry and constricting (5,6). It is warming due to the stimulating action to move blood, suited specifically to bleeding conditions where the blood is stagnant, dark and slowly oozing (7). This contrasts the haemostatic action of a herb like <\/span>yarrow<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Achillea millefolium<\/span><\/i>), which is cooling, and suited to conditions where the blood is red and haemorrhaging (7).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nShepherd\u2019s purse is suited to tissue states which are depressed, stagnant and damp. A depressed tissue state requires stimulation to get things moving, such as stimulating the circulation to warm up cold extremities (7). Damp and stagnant tissues occur when there is a build-up of fluids which are not moving and become thick, stagnant and cold (7). Sheperd\u2019s purse stimulates the movement of blood and tones the muscular tissues of the blood vessels, uterus, bladder and intestines to support the organs to return to homeostasis.<\/span>\r\n\r\nEnergetically, shepherd\u2019s purse is indicated for people who give too much of themselves and deplete their vital energy (8). Being exhausted and depleted makes it difficult to generate motivation and momentum, and shepherd\u2019s purse can provide the support needed to set healthy boundaries and make positive changes (8). It is indicated for those who are highly strung, ambitious and tend to do the work of two or three people (7).<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"[caption id=\"attachment_14120\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Shepherd's Shepherd's purse plant (Capsella bursa-pastoris<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nCulpeper refers to shepherd\u2019s purse in his <\/span>Complete Herbal<\/span><\/i> in 1653 as a remedy for \u201call fluxes of blood caused by inward of outward wounds\u2026bloody urine\u2026spitting blood\u2026and to stop the term\u2019s in women\u2019s\u201d<\/span> (9). The <\/span>1898 King\u2019s American Dispensatory<\/span><\/i> described shepherd's purse as mildly stimulating, astringent, and diuretic, with the fresh herb being more medicinally active than the dried alternative (10). It was considered very effective as either an infusion or tincture for urinary and renal ailments presenting with haematuria (blood in the urine), frequent urges to urinate, or mineral deposits in the urine (10). It was used for the promotion of flow in cases of amenorrhoea, and as a remedy for chronic menorrhagia, frequent or long menstrual bleeds (10). It was found to be beneficial for bleeding piles, chronic diarrhoea, and dysentery (10).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe fresh, crushed herb was applied to bruises or muscle strains, rheumatic joints and bleeding haemorrhoids (11). During the first world war, a fluid extract of shepherd\u2019s purse was used to staunch wounds on the battlefield (12).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nGrieve wrote that shepherd\u2019s purse was considered by herbalists as one of the best remedies for stopping haemorrhages of all kinds: stomach; lungs; uterus or kidneys (12). It was employed for haematuria (blood in the urine), haemorrhoids, chronic diarrhoea, dysentery, uterine haemorrhage and chronic menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeds) (12). <\/span>","what_practioners_say":"[caption id=\"attachment_14127\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Shepherd's Shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe astringent and haemostatic properties of shepherd\u2019s purse extend across many systems of the body, where it can be used to stop bleeding and tighten surface membranes.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Female reproductive system<\/h3>\r\nShepherd\u2019s purse is one of the best herbs for heavy bleeding during menstruation (6). This has been demonstrated in a recent clinical trial (13). It is very effective for dysfunctional uterine bleeding associated with fibroids (4,14). It is a useful herb to use at menarche and the start of the menstrual journey when the cycle can be erratic with dysfunctional bleeding (15). Equally, it can be effective during menopause when the cycle is unpredictable or with a heavy flow (15). When taken throughout the month it can help to lighten heavy menstrual bleeds, prevent spotting between periods and reduce the flooding associated with menopause and endometriosis (2). Medical herbalist Lucy Jones reports that she uses it as a simple (single herb formula) to be taken during the menstrual bleed in cases of menorrhagia or combined with <\/span>cramp bark<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Viburnum opulus<\/span><\/i>) if there is period pain (8).<\/span>\r\n\r\nShepherd\u2019s purse is suited to conditions where the uterine muscle tone is poor and it does not expel the menstrual blood effectively, which can stagnate and form clots (7). As well as toning the muscular walls, it helps to reduce venous blood stagnation and is useful in cases of congestive dysmenorrhea (period pain) and uterine congestion (14). Shepherd\u2019s purse is suited to menstruating women with uterine weakness, fibroids, endometriosis, and profuse bleeding of dark, clotted blood (7).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt is an important herb in midwifery to help with the delivery of the placenta and to reduce postpartum bleeding<\/span> (<\/span>16). The astringent and toning action can help with organ prolapse, particularly the uterus and bladder (8).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nShepherd\u2019s purse will also help with excessive secretions in candidiasis and leukorrhea, combining well with <\/span>calendula<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Calendula officinalis<\/span><\/i>) and white dead nettle (<\/span>Lamium album<\/span><\/i>).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Urinary system<\/h3>\r\nShepherd\u2019s purse is a valuable herb for the urinary system, due to its diuretic, astringent and anti-microbial actions. The diuretic action is important to increase the flow of urine through the kidneys and bladder (12). Combined with the antimicrobial action, this diuretic action makes shepherd\u2019s purse a useful herb to use for urinary tract infections (UTIs) such as cystitis, to help treat the infection (5). Shepherd\u2019s purse stimulates the excretion of uric acid, making it useful when there is irritation in the urinary tract from uric acid, urinary gravel and in the treatment of gout (5,12).\u00a0 It combines well with other stimulating and soothing diuretics such as couch grass (<\/span>Elymus repens<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>marshmallow leaf<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Althaea officinalis<\/span><\/i>) and <\/span>corn silk<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Zea mays<\/span><\/i>). Shepherd\u2019s purse will also tone the muscular walls of the bladder, indicating its use when the bladder is weak, with difficulty in either holding or fully expelling urine (7). The astringent action is useful if there is haematuria (blood in the urine) accompanying any of the aforementioned conditions.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_14124\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"600\"]\"Flowering Flowering Shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Digestive system<\/h3>\r\nA<\/span>s an astringent, the toning action of this herb is effective in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery and intestinal bleeding (4). It can be taken both internally and externally for the treatment of haemorrhoids (3).<\/span>\r\n

Cardiovascular system<\/h3>\r\nShepherd\u2019s purse is both antihypertensive (decreases blood pressure) and antihyportensive (increases blood pressure), depending on the internal constitutional state of the individual (amphoteric). Where the tissue state is relaxed and flaccid, the mechanism of haemostasis is constriction to the blood vessels, making it\u00a0 one of the few herbs which will increase blood pressure (6,7). Shepherd\u2019s purse stimulates circulation to the extremities, redistributing the blood around the body, and potentially creating a hypotensive action, especially in those with pre-existing low blood pressure. The diuretic action is also indicated where there is water retention or oedema which can occur in heart failure and other cardiovascular conditions (3). Shepherd\u2019s purse stimulates the circulation and supports the integrity of the venous system, making it a helpful herb for varicose veins (8).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

External application<\/h3>\r\nThe vulnerary action makes shepherd\u2019s purse a suitable herb to use as a poultice or compress to staunch bleeding and reduce bruising and inflammation (5). It can be used for nosebleeds by inserting a cotton pad soaked in the infusion into the nose (12).\u00a0<\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_14119\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Shepherd's Shepherd's purse flowers (Capsella bursa-pastoris<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Postpartum<\/span><\/h3>\r\nA randomised clinical trial was conducted to determine the effect of shepherd\u2019s purse extract in post-partum haemorrhage in 100 women (16). The participants were randomly assigned to receive 10 sublingual drops of shepherd's purse extract or a placebo, immediately after placental expulsion. In the first three hours after birth, the reduction in postpartum bleeding was significantly greater (32%) after the shepherd\u2019s purse extract compared with the placebo group (16).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Heavy menstruation<\/span><\/h3>\r\nNaafe et al. conducted a randomised clinical trial to determine the effect of shepherd\u2019s purse on heavy menstrual bleeding in 84 women with clinical menorrhagia (13). The women were randomly assigned to receive either shepherd's purse extract (640 mg twice daily) or a placebo, for seven days during menstruation, for two consecutive menstrual cycles. Menstrual bleeding was measured in the third consecutive cycle, and decreased by 50% in the shepherds purse group compared to a 45% reduction in the placebo group. The decrease in menstrual bleeding was significantly greater in the intervention group. Although the difference between the groups is small, the authors concluded that shepherd\u2019s purse is effective at reducing excessive menstrual bleeding (13).\u00a0<\/span>","did_you_know":"The heart-shaped seed pods of shepherd\u2019s purse resemble the leather pouches that mediaeval shepherds used to carry, which is how it got its common name (5). <\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":14129},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Shepherd\u2019s purse is a small annual plant in the mustard family (<\/span>Brassicaceae<\/span><\/i>). It grows from a rosette of basal leaves and can reach heights of 10\u201450 cm (4\u201420 inches), though it can sometimes be as tall as 70 cm (28 inches) or as short as 2 cm (0.8 inches) (23). The basal leaves are lobed and form a rosette at the base (24). A slender, branched stem rises from the centre of the rosette, bearing a few oblong, arrow shaped leaves clasping the stem, which are either smooth or toothed (5,12). The flowers are small, white, and about 2.5 mm (0.1inches) in diameter, with four petals and six stamens in loose racemes (23). The plant is easily recognisable by the flat, triangular, heart-shaped seed pods (24). It reproduces entirely from seed and can produce several generations each year, flowering and producing seeds almost all year round (23).<\/span>","common_names":"