ENGLISH NAME: Shepherd’s Purse
LATIN NAME: Capsella bursa-pastoris
LOCAL NAMES:
Georgia: წიწმატურა (Tsits’matura)
Czechia: Kokoška pastuší tobolka
Turkey: Çobançantası
Bulgaria: Овчарска торбичка (Ovcharska
torbichka)
COUNTRY: Georgia, Turkey,
Czechia, Bulgaria, widespread in Europe, Asia, and naturalized worldwide
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: All regions of Georgia, widespread across Eurasia
Elevation: Sea level up to subalpine meadows
Terrain: Fields, gardens, lawns, cultivated soils, disturbed areas,
roadsides
DESCRIPTION:
Shepherd’s Purse is a common annual or winter annual herb from the mustard
family (Brassicaceae), typically 20–60 cm tall. It forms a basal rosette of
deeply lobed leaves and sends up sparsely branched stems bearing small white
four-petaled flowers. Its most recognizable feature is the heart-shaped seed
pods (silicles), which line the upper stem and resemble tiny purses. The plant
is hardy and adapts to a wide range of environments, germinating and flowering
throughout the year in favorable climates.
USABLE PARTS:
Leaves, stems (aerial parts; sometimes seed pods included in herbal
preparations)
MEDICINAL
PROPERTIES:
Hemostatic
(Bleeding Control): Renowned for stopping minor bleeding
(nosebleeds, wounds, heavy menstruation), attributed to vasoconstrictive
compounds.
Diuretic: Promotes
urination and helps in eliminating excess fluid.
Anti-inflammatory: Traditionally
used for inflammation and minor wounds.
Antimicrobial: Some studies
indicate activity against certain bacteria.
Women’s Health: Traditionally
used for menstrual regulation, easing cramps, and reducing excessive menstrual
bleeding.
Wound Healing: Astringent and
wound-closing effects aid topical use.
Nutritional
Value:
Contains vitamin K, vitamin C, minerals, and trace nutrients.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
Allergic
Reactions:
May cause rashes, itching, or, rarely, respiratory symptoms in sensitive
individuals.
Digestive
Discomfort:
Possible nausea or stomach upset, especially in large doses.
Kidney Disorders: Not recommended
for those with kidney disease due to its diuretic effect.
Pregnancy: Use with
caution, as some sources advise avoiding during pregnancy.
COMBINING WITH
OTHER MEDICINES:
May potentiate
the effects of blood thinners (vitamin K content); consult with a physician if
on anticoagulants.
May interact with
other diuretics or antihypertensive medication.
PREPARATION:
Infusion/Tea:
Use 1–2 tsp dried (or a handful of fresh) aerial parts per cup of hot water.
Steep 5–10 min, strain, and drink. Sweeten or add lemon if desired. Consume 1–2
times daily.
Tincture:
Aerial parts chopped and steeped in alcohol for several weeks, then strained.
Use as directed by a practitioner.
Poultice:
Fresh leaves bruised and applied to wounds or bleeding sites.
Infused Oil:
Dry aerial parts infused in a carrier oil for topical use.
HARVEST TIME:
Late spring to early summer, when in flower but before seed pods mature for
highest medicinal value.
HARVEST METHOD:
Choose healthy
plants away from pollution.
Use clean, sharp
scissors or shears to harvest aerial parts (leaves, stems, flowers) above the
root.
Leave some plants
for reseeding and ecosystem health.
Clean gently if
dirty, then use fresh or dry as needed.
CONSERVATION
(STORAGE):
Drying: Hang in small
bundles in a ventilated, shaded area away from sunlight until crisp.
Storage: Store fully
dried material in airtight glass jars in a cool, dark place.
Labeling: Include date and
plant part for tracking.
Regular Checks: Inspect for
moisture or mold, discard compromised parts.
Avoid Plastic: Use glass or
metal containers to avoid moisture build-up.
Keep Whole: Keep
leaves/stems whole until use to preserve potency.
Protection from
Pests:
Optionally add a bay leaf to the jar as a deterrent.