SHEPHERD'S PURSE HERB PLANT

Latin Name: Capsella bursa-pastoris

Alternate Names: Saint James' Wort, Mother's Hearts, Life Preserving Plant, Lady's Purse, Pepper And Salt, Rattle Pouch, Pickpocket, Cocowort, Bursa

Family: BRASSICACEAE

Parts Used: Above ground portion.

Properties: Alterative, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Astringent, Diuretic, Febrifuge, Hemostatic, Hypotensive, Styptic, Urinary Antiseptic, Vasoconstrictor.

Internal Uses: Bloody Urine, Cystitis, Diarrhea, Dysentery, Dysmenorrhea, Hemorrhage, Injury, Internal Bleeding, Kidney Stones, Labor, Malaria, Nosebleeds, Postpartum Hemorrhage, Ulcers, Urethritis, Uterine Hemorrhage, Varicose Veins

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

Make tincture from the fresh plant.  The reason for the plant's styptic ability is not fully understood, but Shepherd's Purse constricts blood vessels and thus is considered an important herb for both internal and external bleeding.  It has long been used by midwives to aid uterine contraction during birthing and to prevent postpartum hemorrhaging, because it improves oxytocin's ability to aid birthing after cervical dilation has occurred.  It also helps the kidneys eliminate uric acid.  Eating the seeds is believed to improve vision. 

Topical Uses: Bleeding, Fever, Nosebleeds, Oily Skin, Pyorrhea, Wounds

Topical Applications: Poultice applied to wrists to lower fever, also to treat bleeding wounds. Cotton soaked in tea or fresh juice is placed in nostril to stop a nosebleed.  Mouthwash for pyorrhea.  Bath herb for post natal care.  Facial steam for oily skin.  Footbath for sore feet.

Culinary uses: Can be added to salads or cooked as a potherb in moderate quantities. 

Energetics: Pungent, Sweet, Cool, Dry.

Chemical Constituents: Saponins, mustard oil, bursinic acid, flavonoid (diosmin, luteolin, quercitin), sitosterol, choline, acetylcholine, beta carotene, vitamins B, C, K, tyramine, histamine.

Contraindications: Use in moderate doses, as large ones may be toxic.  Avoid during pregnancy, except during labor. Do not use with overt kidney disease.  It does not have a long shelf life, so use within one year.

Comments: The genus name, Capsella, is Latin for 'purse' or 'pocket' in reference to the shape of the flat seed pouches of the plant. During World War I, Shepherd's Purse was used to staunch the bleeding of soldier's wounds. Sprinkling the seeds on water where mosquitoes breed produces a mucilage that will kill larvae and reduce mosquito populations. One pound of seed can destroy 10 million larvae. 

The common name Shepherd's Purse includes the species Capsella rubella, which is used interchangeably with Capsella bursa-pastoris.

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