Botanical name of Shepherd's Purse: Capsella bursa pastoris L.
Plant family: Cruciferae
Main botanical characteristics: 1 to 2 years old, 20-50cm high, basal leaf rosette, similar to dandelion, undivided or irregularly lobed, lanceolate, stem upright, finely grooved, flower small and inconspicuous with four small white petals, from which the inverted heart-shaped fruit forms.
Flowering time: March-November, harvest: May-July
Plant parts used: Herb (Herba Bursae pastoris)
Ingredients: Flavonoids, high in potassium, hemostatic peptide, saponin, tannins
Effect: Hemostatic, vasoconstrictor, vasodilator, laxative, positive inotropic, positive chronotropic, increases uterine contraction
Indications: Any bleeding, nosebleeds, wounds, tooth extraction, heavy and irregular menstrual bleeding, enteritis, bleeding wounds, myomas, cysts, hemorrhoids, regulates heart activity and blood pressure
Contraindication / Side effects: No
Preparation and dosage form:
- Infusion (1-3 times a day, 1 cup)
- Tincture (2-3x/day 15-25 drops)
- Homeopathic
- Externally: compresses (with tincture or infusion)
Effect of Shepherd’s Purse according to TCM (cool):
- Blood stagnation in the lower heater
- Stops heavy uterine bleeding
- Clears damp heat in the lower burner and large intestine
- Tonifies the heart qi in cases of heart qi deficiency
- Resolves liver qi stagnation
