Description :
A member of the mustard family, Shepard’s Purse is a biennial with an erect stem that grows from a rosette of leaves at the base. Four-petalled white flowers produce heart- or purse-shaped seedpods on the tops of plants that grow to about 18 inches high. Used topically as a salve, Shepard’s Purse was used commonly in Early European medicine to stop bleeding and support healing of wounds. It was also believed help stop bleeding internally when taken in tea or tincture form.
History and Folklore:
Shepherd’s Purse gets its name from the resemblance of the flat seed-pouches of the plant to an old-fashioned leather purse. The seeds of Shepherd’s Purse have been found in archeological sites as old as 5,000 years. It has been used for centuries to stop bleeding internally and topically. It was also used historically for urinary infections and gout.
Cultivation and Harvest:
Harvest the aerial parts of the plant, by cutting the stems about 3 inches above the ground. Be sure to leave enough plant in the area to allow regrowth.
Precautions:
Do not take during pregnancy. Shepard’s Purse should be avoided with cardiovascular disease. Due to its ability to lower or increase blood pressure, caution should be taken if you are already taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that act to raise or lower blood pressure. Do not take if you have liver or kidney disease.
Traditional Herbal Actions:
Astringent, Diuretic, hemostatic
Other Names:
Pickpurse, Casewort, Witches’ Pouches, Poverty Weed, Blind Weed, Beggar Tick, Mother’s Heart, or Poor Man’s Pharmacy.
Tincture Ingredients: Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)
*These statements have not been verified by the FDA and is only referenced here as a fun fact and/or for historical commentary, is not to be used as medical advice in any way. Consult your doctor before ingesting any herbal product.
None of these items or statements are approved by FDA. Consult your physician before taking any supplement. Do not take herbs or tinctures during pregnancy without consulting your healthcare provider. This product is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. All information here is for entertainment and educational purposes only.
Jameson –