Shepherd's Purse as an Herb

(Capsella bursa-pastoris)

Also called: Shepherd's Bag. Shepherd's Scrip. Shepherd's Sprout. Lady's Purse. Witches' Pouches. Rattle Pouches. Case-weed. Pick-Pocket. Pick-Purse. Blindweed. Pepper-and-Salt. Poor Man's Parmacettie. Sanguinary. Mother's Heart. Clappedepouch (Irish).

Shepherd's Purse can be found over the world, outside the tropics. It is probably of European or West Asiatic origin. The odor of the plant is odd and rather unpleasant, though more cress-like than pungent. The taste is aromatic and biting. During the summer, the plant has a sharp, acrid taste.

The Irish name of 'Clappedepouch' was given in allusion to the begging of lepers, who stood at cross-roads with a bell or clapper, receiving their alms in a cup at the end of a long pole.

Medicinal Uses for Shepherd's Purse

Shepherd's Purse is one of the most important drugplants of the family Cruciferae. A homoeopathic tincture is prepared from the fresh plant.

Shepherd's Purse is used to treat diarrhea, and to treat and prevent duodenal ulcers. Stops internal and external bleeding, treats urinary problems, and is used as a wound remedy. It should be avoided during pregnancy, although it is often used during the last stages of labor to prevent bleeding problems.

When dried and infused, Shepherd's Purse yields a tea which is still considered by herbalists one of the best specifics for stopping hemorrhages of all kinds - stomach, lungs, or uterus, and more especially bleeding from the kidneys.

It has been used in English domestic practice from early times as an astringent in diarrhea.

It is a remedy of importance in in ulcerated conditions and abscess of the bladder. It increases the flow of urine. Its use is specially indicated when there is white mucous matter voided with the urine; relief in these cases follows at once.

Infusion

The medicinal infusion should be made with an ounce of the plant to 12 ounces of water, reduced by boiling to 1/2 pint, strained and taken cold. In the United States, the fluid extract is given for dropsy in doses of 1/2 to 1 teaspoonful in water.

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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.