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Shepherd’s purse is a wild plant in the brassicas family. It is related to broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage.
This article discusses the nutritional benefits and health effects of shepherd’s purse, along with some precautions to keep in mind if you decide to try it.
Shepherd’s Purse Supplement Facts
- Active ingredients: Flavonoids, polypeptides, choline, acetylcholine, histamine, tyramine, fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins.
- Alternative name: Capsella bursa-pastoris, shepherd’s sprout, lady’s purse, witches’ bags, pickpocket, blindside herb, salt and pepper, mother’s heart
- Legal status: Over-the-counter supplement in the United States
- Suggested dosage: It varies, but includes 10 drops of extract under the tongue for postpartum bleeding.
- Safety considerations: Not recommended during pregnancy; May interact with sedative medications
What is shepherd’s purse?
Shepherd’s purse is considered a weed, but it can be eaten raw or cooked. It can also be taken as a dietary supplement, usually in extract form.
Shepherd’s purse has traditionally been used as a herbal remedy for conditions such as:
Due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial effects, Shepherd’s purse has recently been studied in clinical trials for menstrual periods. and postpartum bleeding.
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 as a substitute for ginger. Some people also use its leaves to make tea.
Shepherd’s purse has a long history of use as an herb and seasoning for boiled foods.
In Asian cuisine, it is an ingredient in porridge. and meatballs.
A nutritional powerhouse, shepherd’s purse contains the following nutrients:
Uses of the 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 on shepherd’s purse are limited. It has been studied in humans for the treatment of infections and heavy bleeding. Here you have the latest research.
Heavy bleeding
A clinical trial of 84 people found that shepherd’s purse plus mefenamic acid decreased heavy menstrual bleeding more than taking mefenamic acid alone. mefenamic Acid is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Another trial with 100 people showed that those who received shepherd’s purse extract more oxytocin immediately after giving birth had less postpartum bleeding than those who received oxytocin alone. 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 St. John’s wort, chamomile, and yarrow for inflammation of the vagina (known as vaginitis).
The herbal products were effective, but because several 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:
The effects in isolated cells or in animals may or may not be the same in humans, so more research is certainly needed.
Dose
The recommended dosage for shepherd’s purse may vary. It has been studied in clinical trials at the following doses:
- Ten drops under the tongue for postpartum hemorrhage.
- 2 to 4 grams (g) in boiling water two to four times a day for heavy menstrual periods
If you try the shepherd’s purse, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Security
Avoid shepherd’s purse if you are allergic to it or its components (parts).
Seek immediate medical attention if you have a serious allergic reaction (itching, hives, trouble breathing).
Side effects
There is not much data on the side effects of shepherd’s purse in humans.
In mice, high doses produced side effects such as:
- large pupils
- Sedation
- Slow breathing rate
Side effects in animals may not apply to humans.
Interactions
Shepherd’s purse may interact with the following medications:
- sedatives: Shepherd’s purse caused sedation and prolonged sleep time in animal models. Be careful if you use shepherd’s purse together with medications such as barbiturates such as phenobarbital, benzodiazepines such as Xanax (alprazolam) or Valium (diazepam), or pain relievers that also cause sedation. Together, these could slow breathing.
- Anticoagulants: Shepherd’s purse helped stop bleeding, which can decrease the effectiveness of blood thinners like Jantoven (warfarin).
It is essential to carefully read a supplement’s ingredient list and nutrition facts panel 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.
Precautions
Please note the following precautions when using the shepherd’s bag:
- The pregnancy: For safety reasons, the shepherd’s purse is not recommended during pregnancy. It has caused infertility in animal models.
- Breast-feeding: There is not enough data to know if shepherd’s purse is safe during breastfeeding and therefore it is not recommended during this time.
- Children: There is not enough data to know if shepherd’s purse is safe for children, so it is not recommended.
Similar Supplements
Herbal supplements that may help with heavy menstrual bleeding include, but are not limited to:
- Ginger
- myrtle (myrtus communis) fruit syrup
- pomegranate flower
- Shanzhuyu (Cornus officinalis)
Supplements studied for postpartum hemorrhage (blood loss of more than 500 milliliters in 24 hours after delivery) include, but are not limited to:
Of note, researchers consider all of these (except melatonin) to be low-potential treatments, meaning they are not likely to help on their own.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the same way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplements may not contain what the label says.
When choosing a supplement, look for third-party tested products and consult a healthcare provider, RD or RDN, or 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 a herbal remedy for various conditions, there is little evidence that it is effective. It has been studied in clinical trials 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. And there isn’t enough information to know if it’s safe for children or while breastfeeding.
Frequent questions
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What is 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 the results of laboratory and animal studies.
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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 talk to your healthcare provider about the use of any supplements you are considering to optimize safety.
