Shepherd’s Purse – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

Saturday, July 29, 2017 by Jhoanna Robinson

Shepherd’s purse, which has the scientific name of Capsella bursa-pastoris, is a flowering plant that is a member of the mustard family and which is endemic to select parts of Asia and Eastern Europe.

The ancient Greeks and Romans used shepherd’s purse as a laxative way back. It was discovered that shepherd’s purse can be used to make menstrual bleeding lighter during the 17th century.

List of known nutrients

Acetylcholine
Camphor
Carotenoids
Choline
Diosmetin
Fumaric
Glycosides
Hesperidin
Histamine
Luteolin
Potassium
Quercetin
Sinigrin
Tyramine
Vitamin A
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Vitamin B9 (Folate)
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Vitamin C
Vitamin K
Volatile Oil

Medicinal uses for shepherd’s purse

Shepherd’s purse’s multiple antioxidant content makes it capable of fighting and neutralizing harmful free radicals, which cause premature aging and spurs the growth of tumors that later become cancerous. It also staves off headaches and nausea.

Shepherd’s purse is also said to alleviate the pain brought about by a period. It also lessens the ocurrences of premenstrual syndrome. There also has been evidence that shepherd’s purse can contribute to lessening the heavy bleeding days during a woman’s monthly period. This is due to shepherd’s purse’s omega 3-fatty acid content. Omega-3 fatty acids are usually found in fish oil or flaxseed.

Shepherd’s purse can also address bleeding after giving birth and can stop bleeding that is present in stool, urine, or vomit. It can also stop nose bleeds and internal hemorrhaging. For best results, take two to three teaspoons of the powdered herb and mix it in boiling water. Dip a cotton ball into the concoction and insert said cotton ball into your nostril to stem blood flow. Meanwhile, to lessen the blood flow after giving birth, drink a whole liter of shepherd’s purse tea during one day, in divided amounts.

As a matter of fact, a report that was published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in 2007 showed that herbs such as shepherd’s purse have more efficacy when it comes to treating menstrual pain than acupuncture, hot water bottles, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or oral contraceptives. Other plants that have the same benefits include ginger, blue cohosh, white peony, red peony, lovage, and dong quai, which is also known as the “female ginseng”.

As a natural diuretic, shepherd’s purse is good for the kidneys. It can be used as a remedy for urinary tract infection and cystitis, which is a bladder infection.

Applied topically, shepherd’s purse has natural healing effects for wounds burns, and minor cuts. It can also be used to alleviate the effects of eczema, which is a general term for skin rashes. It can also be used to treat hemorrhoids, which are described as swollen veins in your rectum and anus.

Shepherd’s purse is good for eye health. Its vitamin C and potassium content makes it capable to fight the free radicals that cause damage to your retinas. Other herbs that help protect the eyes include bilberry and ginkgo biloba.

Body systems supported by shepherd’s purse

Shepherd’s purse is good for the digestive system as it can protect the stomach from ulcers and more common ailments like diarrhea, constipation, and indigestion. It is also a natural appetite stimulant.

Shepherd’s purse is good for the immune system. It also has anti-inflammation properties and is good for lowering blood cholesterol levels.

Ways to use shepherd’s purse

Shepherd’s purse is used as an ingredient in stir-fries, rice cakes, and most popularly, in Chinese dumplings. It also graces South Korean dishes and delicacies.