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Shepherd's Purse
I always loved this "weed" as a child because I love hearts and this particular plant has heart shaped seed pods that I always thought were the leaves. I find it interesting that the main use of Shepherd's purse is for stopping bleeding of all types when the seed pods are shaped like the heart which pumps blood.
Capsella bursa-pastoris
Family: Cruciferae – cabbage
Parts used: aerial parts, leaves, blossoms
Astringent
Detergent
Diuretic
Hemostatic
Styptic
Vulnerary
Energetics/Body Systems Affected
Cooling
Drying
Cardiovascular
Uses
Stops bleeding of all types both externally and internally.
Cuts, wounds, and scrapes.
Nosebleeds and hemorrhoids.
Internal bleeding anywhere such as intestines, lungs, bladder, and kidney (as seen in urine), stomach (ulcers), uterus, etc.
Help to regulate menstrual flow, heavy bleeding, and reduce postpartum bleeding.
Can be used to stimulate uterine contractions for inducing labor in childbirth.
Can equalize high and low blood pressure (combines well with hawthorn and linden blossoms).
Hastens blood coagulation and constricts blood vessels while also expanding arteries and improving blood flow.
Irregular heartbeat, heart disease and cardiac insufficiency.
Shock (tincture under the tongue).
Corrects prolapses of uterus, bladder, and other organs, moving them back into their correct positions.
Aids with rheumatic aches and pains.
Strengthens weak, strained, or pulled muscles.
Kidney and bladder irritation, including blood and mucus in the urine.
Earache
Tea (not very tasty)
Extract (best way to utilize this plant)
Poultice, compress
Powder, capsules
Bath, wash, gargle
This is one of the easy to identify plants by the heart shaped seed pods, topped with little white flowers. It also flowers and seeds all year long so can be picked anytime. Found in disturbed sites, roadsides, and as a garden weed.
Cut aerial parts or pull up the entire plant if you are "weeding" for drying or processing.
Safety
Can stimulate uterine contractions so avoid taking while pregnant.
Personal Experience
I was on a pioneer trek with youth from our community and one young man had a horrible bloody nose. The trek nurse did all she could to stop the bleeding but couldn't get it under control. She knew I had brought my bag of herbal goodies and sent for me to help. I immediately pulled out the shepherd's purse tincture and gave him two squirts under the tongue. Within seconds the bleeding stopped. He had lost so much blood that he had to spend the evening lying down and I gave him some nutritive herbs to help build the blood back up. By the next day he was up and walking again, but I had to leave him my shepherd's purse tincture which he clung to the remainder of the trek. When we returned home my nurse friend came by to get her own bottle as she was so impressed with how well it had worked.
References
Backyard Medicine
Back to Eden
Herbs to the Rescue
The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook
