Shepherd’s Purse

Biological Name:

Capsella bursa-pastoris (Shepherd’s-Purse)

Natural Habitat:

Shepherd’s-Purse: Fields and meadows, North America

Description:

Shepherd’s-Purse also known as Capsella is a plant that is native to grassland and prairie regions of North America. It is an annual herb that can grow up to two feet tall and it has small triangular leaves and small white or pink flowers that bloom in the spring. The plant is known for its distinctive seedpods which are shaped like a shepherd’s purse and it is often found in areas with poor soil fertility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Will Shepherd purse stop my period?
A: Slows Postpartum Bleeding Although it may be used most often in modern times for heavy menstrual cycles, shepherd’s purse can help to slow or stop any type of uterine bleeding.
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Q: What is the benefit of Shepherd purse?
A: Shepherd’s purse is used for heart and circulatory problems including mild heart failure, low blood pressure, and nervous heart complaints. It is also used for headache, vomiting blood, blood in the urine, diarrhea, and bladder infections.
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Q: What does big blood clots in period mean?
A: People may worry if they notice clots in their menstrual blood, but this is perfectly normal and rarely cause for concern. Menstrual clots are a mixture of blood cells, tissue from the lining of the uterus, and proteins in the blood that help regulate its flow.
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Q: Why is shepherd’s purse a problem?
A: Shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) is a common annual weed of both cultivated and bare ground. Plants produce vast quantities of seed throughout the year, which germinate quickly, meaning it can easily become a nuisance in beds and borders.
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Q: Is shepherd’s purse healthy?
A: Shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik.), a wild herb as a traditional herbal medicine, has been proved with multiple healthy benefits.
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Q: What does shepherd’s purse help with?
A: Shepherd’s purse is used for heart and circulatory problems including mild heart failure, low blood pressure, and nervous heart complaints. It is also used for headache, vomiting blood, blood in the urine, diarrhea, and bladder infections.
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Q: Does shepherd’s purse cause blood clots?
A: Shepherd’s purse may increase blood clotting, which can interfere with blood thinners and increase your risk of serious health complications. Thyroid medications. The herb can suppress thyroid function and may interfere with thyroid medications.
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Q: When should I take shepherds purse?
A: Shepherd’s purse is used for nosebleeds, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), abnormally heavy bleeding during menstrual periods (menorrhagia), and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
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Q: How can I stop bleeding after my period?
A: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), help reduce menstrual blood loss. … Tranexamic acid. … Oral contraceptives. … Oral progesterone. … Hormonal IUD (Liletta, Mirena).
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Q: How do you drink shepherd’s purse?
A: As a tea: for bleeding (kidney, uterine [menstrual & postpartum], nosebleeds, wounds) infuse 1oz fresh herb in 12oz water, reduce to a half pint, and drink cold 2-3x/day. Drink this infusion 8-10 days before period for excessive menstrual flow.
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Q: What part of shepherd’s purse do you eat?
A: Edible Parts Shepherds purse leaves can be eaten raw or cooked (raw is healthier). Young leaves used before the plant flowers is a tasty addition to salads. The leaves are a cress and cabbage substitute that becomes peppery with age. The leaves are generally available all year round and can be dried for later use.
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Q: Can you eat shepherd’s purse?
A: Use as a food The leaves and flowers can be eaten raw or cooked and have a cress- (raw) or cabbage-like (cooked) taste. The seed pods add a nice crunch and texture to salads, and can also be cooked. Left to age, the seeds become peppery and can be used as a pepper substitute.
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Q: Does Shepherds Purse lower blood pressure?
A: Vasoconstrictor and cardiovascular — Shepherd’s Purse is a circulation equalizing herb that normalizes circulation, regulates heart action and may help to correct high or low blood pressure.
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Q: Does shepherd’s purse affect hormones?
A: The body naturally produces thyroid hormone. Shepherd’s purse might decrease how much thyroid hormone the body produces. Taking shepherd’s purse along with thyroid hormone might decrease the effectiveness of thyroid hormone.
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Q: What can shepherds purse be used for?
A: Although it is an abundant weed during early spring, shepherd’s purse has been used as a food and folk medicine for centuries in Asian and European countries. Moreover, this plant has traditionally been used as a diuretic and for the treatment of dysentery, furuncle, gonorrhea, menstrual disorders, and fever [3,4].
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Q: What does shepherd’s purse taste like?
A: Shepherd’s-purse is a winter annual broadleaf weed, but may grow all year in cool coastal areas of California. It is common throughout California to about 7600 feet (2300 m). It inhabits agricultural land and other disturbed areas. Its fruit has a peppery flavor and is sometimes added as a spice to salad greens.
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Q: Does shepherd’s purse interact with any medications?
A: Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with SHEPHERD’S PURSE. Large amounts of shepherd’s purse might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Medications that cause sleepiness are called sedatives. Taking shepherd’s purse along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness.
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Q: What are the health benefits of shepherd’s purse?
A: It is useful in heart and circulatory problems like low blood pressure, heart failure, and nervous heart complaints.It is effective in urinary bladder infections.Useful in treatment of jaundice.
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Q: How do you eat shepherds purse?
A: Shepherds purse leaves can be eaten raw or cooked (raw is healthier). Young leaves used before the plant flowers is a tasty addition to salads. The leaves are a cress and cabbage substitute that becomes peppery with age. The leaves are generally available all year round and can be dried for later use.
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Q: How do you make shepherd’s purse tea?
A: Fill a tea ball with 3–4 teaspoons (about 6–8 grams) of dried shepherd’s purse and place it in a mug. Fill the mug with boiling water. Steep it for 2–5 minutes, depending on how strong you want your tea.
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About the author

Samuel is a gardening professional and enthusiast who has spent over 20 years advising homeowners and farm owners on weed identification, prevention and removal. He has an undergraduate degree in plant and soil science from Michigan State University.