Shepher's Purse

Most people have never heard of Shepherd’s Purse and consequently there is little known about the herb. Shepherd’s Purse is a common weed that has been dismissed as being completely useless.

Ancient Greeks and Romans recommended shepherd’s purse seeds as a laxative. The Italians promoted its use to eliminate blood in the urine. The Pilgrims introduced shepherd’s purse into North America where it was used to stop bleeding.

Shepherd’s Purse Uses

Shepherd’s Purse won’t set the herbal community on fire, but it may help some women with heavy menstrual flow or pregnant women waiting to go into labor – if they can stomach its taste. Shepherd’s purse contains substances that stimulate the clotting of blood.

While it may also be effective in treating blood in urine or stool, shepherd’s purse should not be your primary treatment method. Prompt professional care should be given first. Although shepherd’s purse is no substitute for standard medical care, people with ulcers, colitis, Crohn’s disease, or bleeding disorders or women with heavy menstrual flow might try it. Some have even used it effectively in treating persistent nosebleeds.

Shepherd’s purse contains some substances that may help stimulate uterine contractions which can trigger labor. Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should not use shepherd’s purse except when ready to deliver.

Shepherd’s purse has some mild anti-inflammatory properties making it effective in treatment for wounds and hemorrhoids.

Shepherd’s Purse Dosage

To help stop bleeding or to stimulate labor, use 1 teaspoon of dried herb per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes and then strain. Drink up to 2 cups a day. Shepherd’s purse has a very unpleasant taste so you’ll just have to gulp it down. To make it slightly more palatable add honey, lemon, or sugar. When using shepherd’s purse extract use ¼ to ½ teaspoon up to twice a day. To use it externally on wounds or hemorrhoids, soak a clean cloth in either the tea or extract and apply.

Shepherd’s Purse Safety Precautions

If shepherd’s purse does stop bleeding, no one is sure how. It may strengthen blood vessel walls, or it may stimulate clotting. Blood clots may trigger heart attack or stroke. Anyone with a history of these conditions, and anyone taking blood thinning medication, including low dose aspirin, should not take shepherd’s purse. But, there are no reported side effects or harms from taking shepherd’s purse.

If you have heavy bleeding from your menstrual cycle, you may want to consider a tea made from shepherd’s purse to reduce the bleeding and help you regain some of your energy. Speak to your doctor first though to make sure you are not at risk for heart complications or have a history or circulation issues. And, remember that just because you may find this herb in a field nearby, does not mean its safe. Use caution when choosing herbs and go to a reputable herbalist for pure herbs in almost any form. When in doubt, teas are always safer than the herb’s oil or extracts simply because of the concentration of herb found in the oils.