Shepherd’s purse is a wild plant brassicaceae family. Broccoli is related to Brussels sprouts and cabbage.
This article explains the nutritional benefits and health effects of shepherd’s purse, as well as some precautions you should know if you decide to try it.
Shepherd’s Purse Supplement Facts
- Active ingredient: Flavonoids, polypeptides, choline, acetylcholine, histamine, tyramine, fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins
- Alternative name: Capsella bursa-pastoris, shepherd’s sprout, lady’s purse, witch’s purses, pickpocket, amaranth, pepper and salt, mother’s heart
- Legal status: Supplement available over-the-counter in the United States
- Recommended dose: Varies but includes 10 drops of extract under the tongue for postpartum bleeding
- Security considerations: Not recommended during pregnancy; May interact with sedative medications
What is a Shepherd’s Purse?
Shepherd’s purse is considered a herb but can be eaten raw or cooked. It can also be taken as a dietary supplement, typically in extract form.
Shepherd’s purse has traditionally been used as an herbal remedy for conditions such as:
Due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial effects, The shepherd’s purse has recently been studied in clinical studies for menstrual periods. and postpartum hemorrhage.
Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa pastoris).
Olezzo/Getty Images
Nutrition
Shepherd’s purse is a plant that can be cooked or eaten raw. and its roots can be used instead of ginger. Some people also use the leaves to make tea.
Shepherd’s purse has a long history as an herb used as a seasoning for boiled foods.
It is an ingredient in oatmeal in Asian cuisine. and meatballs.
A nutritional powerhouse, the shepherd’s purse contains the following nutrients:
Uses of Shepherd’s Purse
Supplement use should be individualized and reviewed by a healthcare professional such as a registered dietitian, nutritionist (RD or RDN), pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure or prevent disease.
Clinical trials of shepherd’s purse are limited. It has been studied in humans for heavy bleeding and infections. Here’s the latest research.
Heavy Bleeding
A clinical study in 84 people found that shepherd’s purse plus mefenamic acid reduced heavy menstrual bleeding more than shepherd’s purse. mefenamic acid alone. mefenamic acid is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
In another trial with 100 people, those who took shepherd’s purse extract plus oxytocin They experienced less postpartum bleeding than those who received only oxytocin immediately after birth. Oxytocin is a hormone that helps stop postpartum bleeding.
More research is needed before shepherd’s purse can be routinely recommended for this use.
inflammation
Shepherd’s purse has been studied in combination with other herbal supplements such as Saint-John’s-wort, chamomile, and yarrow for inflammation of the vagina (known as vaginitis).
The herbal products were effective, but because the various ingredients were combined, it is impossible to know how much effect, if any, came directly from the shepherd’s purse.
Other uses
Additionally, shepherd’s purse has been investigated in test tube (in vitro) and animal (in vivo) studies for the following conditions:
Effects on isolated cells or animals may or may not be the same in humans; hence more research is definitely needed.
Dosage
The recommended dosage for shepherd’s purse may vary. It has been studied at the following dosages in clinical studies:
- Ten drops under the tongue for postpartum bleeding
- 2 to 4 grams (g) in boiling water two to four times daily for heavy menstrual periods
If you try shepherd’s purse, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Safety
Avoid shepherd’s purse if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients (parts).
If you have a severe allergic reaction (itching, hives, shortness of breath), get medical help right away.
Side effects
There is not much data on the side effects of shepherd’s purse in humans.
High doses in mice caused side effects such as:
- older students
- sedation
- slow breathing rate
Side effects in animals may not apply to humans.
Interactions
Shepherd’s purse may interact with the following medications:
- tranquilizers: Shepherd’s purse caused sedation and increased sleep duration in animal models. Be careful if you use shepherd’s purse with barbiturates such as Phenobarbital, benzodiazepines such as Xanax (alprazolam) or Valium (diazepam), or pain medications that also cause sedation. Taken together, these can slow breathing.
- blood thinners: Shepherd’s purse helped stop bleeding; this may reduce the effectiveness of blood thinning medications such as Jantoven (warfarin).
It’s important to read a supplement’s ingredients list and nutrition facts panel carefully to know what ingredients are included and how much of each ingredient. Review the supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss possible interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
Measures
Keep the following precautions in mind when using the shepherd’s purse:
- Pregnancy: Shepherd’s purse is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to safety concerns. It caused infertility in animal models.
- Breast-feeding: Because there is not enough data to know whether shepherd’s purse is safe during breastfeeding, its use is not recommended during this time.
- children: Because there is not enough data to know whether shepherd’s purse is safe for children, it is not recommended.
Similar Supplements
Herbal supplements that may help with heavy menstrual bleeding include, but are not limited to:
- Ginger
- myrtle (Myrtus community) fruit syrup
- Pomegranate flower
- Shanzhuyu (Cornus officinalis)
Supplements studied for postpartum bleeding (more than 500 milliliters of blood loss within 24 hours after birth) include, but are not limited to:
Of note, all of these (except melatonin) are considered by researchers to be low-potency treatments, meaning they are unlikely to be helpful on their own.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the same way it regulates prescription drugs. This means that some supplements may not contain what is stated on the label.
When choosing a supplement, look for third-party tested products and consult a healthcare provider, RD or RDN, or your pharmacist.
Summary
Shepherd’s purse is a common flowering plant that can be used in cooking or taken as a dietary supplement.
Despite its historical uses as an herbal remedy for a variety of conditions, there is little evidence that it is effective. It has been studied in clinical studies for heavy menstrual periods, postpartum bleeding, and vaginal infections. However, more research is needed before it can be recommended.
Shepherd’s purse may interact with blood thinners and medications or supplements that cause drowsiness. It is not recommended during pregnancy due to infertility in animal models. There isn’t enough information to know if it’s safe for children or while breastfeeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a shepherd’s purse?Shepherd’s purse is a flowering plant related to cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic activity. However, human clinical trials are needed to confirm laboratory and animal study results.
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Is shepherd’s purse edible?Yes, shepherd’s purse can be eaten raw or cooked.
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Is shepherd’s purse safe during pregnancy?The shepherd’s purse is not recommended during pregnancy because it has been associated with infertility in animal models.
If you are pregnant, be sure to discuss the use of any supplements you consider taking with your healthcare provider to maximize safety.