Botanical Overview
Capsella bursa-pastoris, commonly known as Shepherd’s Purse, is a member of the Brassicaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia but widely naturalized throughout North America. The medicinal parts primarily used are the aerial parts and leaves harvested when fresh or dried.
Energetics
This herb is considered to have a neutral temperature and drying moisture quality with an astringent and bitter taste. It is regarded as tonifying and is primarily associated with the blood system in traditional Western herbal energetics.
Primary Actions
- Astringent
- Hemostatic
- Diuretic
Indications
Western
- Mild bleeding disorders (e.g., menorrhagia, nosebleeds)
- Menstrual irregularities
- Wounds with mild bleeding
- Postpartum bleeding
Syndromes
- Menorrhagia
- Hematuria
- Postpartum bleeding
TCM
No well-documented traditional use or syndromes.
Ayurveda
Not traditionally used or documented in classical texts.
Unani
Not well documented.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Key phytochemical families include flavonoids, glucosinolates, tannins, and volatile oils, which contribute to its astringent and hemostatic properties.
Dosage & Preparations
- Infusion: 2-5 grams of dried herb per cup of boiling water, taken 3 times daily
- Tincture: 1:5 in 40% ethanol, 2-5 mL, 2-3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally considered safe with traditional use; however, caution is advised during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, due to insufficient safety data and potential uterine stimulation. No major drug interactions have been reported. Avoid use in individuals with known hypersensitivity. Prolonged use should be supervised.
Astrological Correspondences
No well-established planetary or elemental rulers documented in reputable sources.
Selected References
- Capsella bursa-pastoris (Shepherd’s Purse), Plants for a Future Database
- World Health Organization Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Volume 2, WHO 1999
- Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, 2nd edition, Heinrich et al., 2011