Capsella bursa-pastoris
Shepherd's Purse
Brassicaceae
At a Glance
- Common name
- Shepherd's Purse
- Scientific name
- Capsella bursa-pastoris
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Region
- Europe
- Plant part
- Aerial parts
- Caffeine
- Caffeine Free
- Evidence
- Insufficient
- Safety review
- Safety information on file
Safety & Cautions
Safety information on fileBotanical Description
A slender annual with a basal rosette of lobed leaves, an upright stem of tiny white flowers, and distinctive flat heart-shaped (purse-like) seed pods. Common in disturbed ground worldwide.
Also known as: Shepherd's Pouch, Mother's Heart, St James's Wort
Historical Background
Used in European and Asian folk medicine as a hemostatic — most famously for heavy menstrual bleeding and as a wound styptic — shepherd's purse was also eaten as a potherb.
Earliest recorded uses: Heavy menstrual bleeding, nosebleeds, wounds, and as a urinary tonic.
Cultural significance: Named for its heart-shaped pods; a common cottage-garden styptic, it entered WWI field practice as a substitute for ergot.
Folk
European and Asian folk use as a styptic and menstrual remedy.
WWI
Used as a field hemostatic when ergot was scarce.
Traditional preparations:
- Infusion
- Fresh plant tincture
- Poultice
Traditional Uses
These uses document historical traditions and do not imply proven effectiveness.
Traditional European Herbalism
Infusion for heavy menstrual bleeding and as a wound styptic.
Flavor & Aroma
Aroma: Fresh, mustard-green
Tea Preparation
Modern Evidence
Choline, flavonoids, and a peptide (bursin) are studied; traditional hemostatic use has limited modern clinical support.
Evidence levels describe the state of research for the traditional use discussed here, not a recommendation. Historical use does not imply effectiveness.
References & Sources
- American Herbal Products Association · Botanical Safety Handbook (2013)
Related Herbs
Entry last updated August 15, 2026