Shepherd's Purse

Bursae pastoris herba, shepherd's purse herb.  

Shepherd's purse herb consists of the fresh or dried, above-ground parts of Capsella bursa pastoris (L.) Medikus [Fam.  Brassicaceae], as well as its preparations in effective dosage.  

Uses

Internal:

• Symptomatic treatment of mild menorrhagia and metrorrhagia, topical application for nose bleeds.  

External:

• Superficial, bleeding skin injuries.  

Contraindications

None known.  

Side Effects

None known.  

None known.  

Unless otherwise prescribed:

Average daily dosage:

• 10 - 15 g of drug;
• equivalent preparations.  

Topical use:

• 3 - 5 g of herb per cup of water as tea.  

Fluidextract (according to Erg.  B.  6 ):

• Daily dosage: 5 - 8 g.  

Comminuted drug for tea and other galenical preparations for internal use and external application.  

Parenteral application only:

• Muscarine-like effects with dose-dependent lowering and elevation of blood pressure;
• Positive inotropic and chronotropic cardiac effects;
• Increased uterine contraction.