Shepherd's purse

     Also known as: Capsella bursa-pastoris, Blind Weed, Bourse the Capucin, Hirtentaschel, Mother’s Heart

     Regulating blood pressure, Sheperd’s Purse is commonly recommended in heart arrhythmia affections, normalizing oscillating blood pressure. As feminine remedy, Shepherd’s Purse is successfully used in premenstrual problems and long periods, calming menstrual cramps and in cases of uterine atony or after giving birth, the herb restores the uterine tonicity.

     The hemostatic and anti-inflammatory  effect, recommend this plant for stopping all kinds of bleedings, from nasal bleedings (epistaxis) to gastric bleedings determined by an ulcer , from lungs and kidneys bleedings to uterine hemorrhages. Studies show that the natural hemostatic action is due to the special composition of the plant, but also to some fungi parasitizing the herb (O. Bojor, M. Alexan, Fl. Craciun). Shepherd’s Purse extracts have positive effects on stress and anxiety, yet being a mild nervous excitant, must be avoided in epilepsy, Parkinson disease and depression.

     Shepherd’s Purse stimulates also the thyroid, intensifying the metabolism and helping weight loss, but may interfere with thyroid condition medication. If you are under thyroid treatment, is safer to avoid Shepherd’s Purse products. Another special caution is provided for people with renal calculi historic, because the oxalates content of the herb may form new kidney stones. During pregnancy, you should also avoid consumption, as Shepherd’s Purse stimulates uterine contraction, leading to miscarriage.

     Although it is mainly viewed as a medicinal plant, Shepherd’s Purse can also be found in cosmetic and perfumery products and in animal feed. Used as an ingredient in culinary recipes of China, Korea and Japan, Shepherd’s Purse’s leaves, flowers and seeds can be consumed raw or cooked in salads, soups, sauces or stews.