Shepherd's Purse Herbal Remedies
Shepherd's purse is an effective diuretic and astringent used for nosebleed, water retention, and diarrhea. It is famous for checking excessive menstrual flow or postpartum bleeding. When used as a hemostatic, the fresh tincture should be taken every hour or two. The herb loses its potency rapidly, and a good-quality "fresh-plant" tincture should be stored in a cool place out of the direct sunlight. It will retain its potency for 6-9 months. In Europe, shepherd's purse tincture is recommended for lowering mild high blood pressure. The tincture is the most effective way to take this herb. For average use, 1-3 dropperfuls 2-3 x daily is sufficient. To stop postpartum bleeding, heavy menstrual flows, or hemorrhage, take 1/2 or even 1 tsp of the tincture every 1/2 hour. Watch for heart palpitations, and reduce the dose if these occur. Shepherd's Purse has a taste of PUNGENT, SWEET and a temperature of NEUTRAL.
Shepherd's Purse Proper Dose
| Type | Dossage |
| Shepherd's Purse Infusion | 1-2 cups 2-3 x daily |
| Shepherd's Purse Tincture | 1-3 droppersful 2-3 x daily |
Shepherd's Purse Reference Information
| Latin Name | Capsella bursa-pastoris |
| Other Names | |
| Part Used | Herb |
| Herb Forms | Tincture, capsule, bulk herb. |
| Affects | Blood, Cardiovascular system |
| Cautions | Avoid during pregnancy or if you have a history of kidney stones. |
| Botanical Info | An annual or perennial in the Mustard family with lanceolate, sometimes toothed leaves, mostly clustered at the base of the stem, and white flowers and small purse-shaped fruits. |
Supporting Research
Newall, C. et al.. 1996. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press.
McGuffin, M. et al. 1997. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Felter, H.W. and J.U. Lloyd. 1983. (1898). King's Dispensatory. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Weiss, R. 1988. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers.
Wren, R.C. 1988. Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs. Essex: C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd.
Madaus, G. 1976. Lehrbuch der Biologischen Heilmittel. Hildesheim: Georg Olms Verlag.
Merck & Co. 1907. Merck's 1907 Index. Rahway, N.J.:Merck & Co.