Description

This annual or biennial plant with white flowers belongs to the family of Cruciferae. It is common in the wayside, gardens, fields, dykes, scrublands; it only needs sunlight and not too dry soil. It blows during the whole summer, but mostly in April and May. Its stem is branching, its lanceolate leaves form a rose, its white flowers form clusters. It has triangular flat fruits (from wedge to heart) which are „purse-like”.

Active agents

This plant contains flavonoids, a hemostatic peptide, potassium and potassium-nitrite, as well as coline and triamin.

Collection

Gather the upper 30 cm of the bloomy plant in dry and sunny weather. Let it dry at an airy space in the shadow.

Curative effects

Due to its hemostatic effect it can be used as part of the additional therapy in case of internal bleeding (uterus, stomach and intestine), and due to its high potassium content it is a well-known antiseptic and diuretic plant. In case of nose bleeds plunge a tampon into shepherd’s purse tea and place it into your nose in order to handle nosebleed. It is also good for menstrual bleeding. Combined with other medicinal plants it tempers menstrual cramps. It is worth to consume one-month-long during climax, then continua after a three-week-break. It regulates blood circulation, it is recommended for bleeding hemorrhoid and bleeding kidney. It strengthens the heart. In case of muscular dystrophy caused by insufficient circulation, rub shepherd’s purse tincture into the sick body part. Its fresh juice soothes and stops the bleeding on excoriated skin surfaces. It is also effective against bleeding gums. Thanks to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects it is excellent for treating infections of the urinary tract. Thanks to its sedative and antiseptic effects it is also used as an additional treatment in case of neurological diseases. Further back the traditional medicine used shepherd’s purse as an aphrodisiac for men.

Use

Tea: Infuse 2 teaspoons of dried and minced plant with 2 dl of scalding-hot water for 15 minutes, and then strain it. Drink 2 cups of tea per day during your period. It is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding! In case of long-term bleedings consult your doctor!

Tincture: Mince the freshly picked plant (including stem, leaves and fruit) and put it into jars; pour fruit- or cereal schnapps with 38-40% alcohol content until it is fully covered. Leave the jars on a warm place for two weeks, then strain it and keep in dark glasses. Consume 12 drops 3 times a day, dissolved in water or tea.

Hip-bath: macerate 200 g shepherd’s purse in 5 liter of water all night long. Warm it up on the next day and use it for your hip-bath. In case of bleeding hemorrhoid wash yourself with shepherd’s purse tea or use it as a hip-bath.

Volatile oil: Due to its hemostatic effect it can be used as part of the additional therapy in case of internal bleeding (uterus, stomach and intestine), it is a well-known antiseptic and diuretic plant. Further use

Shepherd’s purse is very useful in protection against some insects. In wet ambience its seeds evolve a viscous agent and water insects stick to it.