Herbs of the Field - Shepherd’s Purse

Also known as blind weed, lady’s purse, mother’s heart, shepherd’s heard, St James’ weed to name a few.  The stems, leaves and flowers are used to help with wound healing, bleeding issues, menstrual disorders, circulatory and heart conditions.  Shepherd’s purse has been used to help lower blood pressure. Also persons who suffer with nose bleeds it helps stop the bleeding. In addition, it helps stimulate uterine contractions, therefore, most usage has been for women’s bleeding issues. whether heavy menstruation or postpartum hemorrhage, Shepherd’s purse reduces the menstrual bleeding. Also, bleeding caused by fibroid tumor, can  been helps, as well as, gastrointestinal bleeding from ulcers. Placing Shepherd’s purse on a laceration and other skin injuries will stop bleeding and promote healing.

Identification - at the bottom oblong leaves, arrow-shaped at base, with numerous small, white flowers, green plant with rough hairs. Main leaves 2 to 6 inches long. Irregular pinnatifid or entire and tooted. Radiating leaves. Slender stem, from the crown of the root to the centre of the rosette of the radical leaves. Has a peculiar, unpleasant pungent odor.

Harvesting - the whole plant can be used.   The base of leaves look similar to dandelion when it starts to grow. Cut stems 2 inches from the ground.

Usage - use dry herb to make tincture or tea. ¼ - ½ teaspoon 3 to 4 times a day for menstrual period issues. Limiting usage to one to two months at a time, can use a few days prior to menstruation, through the end of the cycle. The root can be dried and used in place of ginger. Can be eaten in salad or with other wild greens, in stir fry, in place of kale or spinach. Use in tabbouleh in place of parsley.

Cautions - has been show to cause drowsiness, shortness of breath in some people, pupil enlargement. Can cause blood clotting, can suppress thyroid functions.