Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris): The Haemostatic Herb

Shepherd’s Purse — Capsella bursa-pastoris — is a small annual herb found in gardens, fields, and disturbed ground across Britain, named for the distinctive heart-shaped seed pods that resemble the pouches carried by medieval shepherds. This humble weed is one of the most specific haemostatic (bleeding-stopping) herbs in the Western materia medica — used for centuries in European folk medicine and maintained in clinical herbal practice for its reliable ability to reduce excessive bleeding from mucous membranes and the uterus.

At Herba Naturalle, Shepherd’s Purse is listed in the comprehensive herb index as a primary haemostatic herb — complementary to the Shatavari Complex for female reproductive support and relevant to Stop the Inflammation Pandemic: Inflammation in the Female Reproductive System.

Active Compounds

Flavonoids — quercetin, luteolin, diosmin, hesperidin; with vasoconstrictive and capillary-strengthening effects
Polypeptides (bursin) — with haemostatic activity; stimulate platelet aggregation and reduce capillary permeability
Choline — contributing to uterotonic effects
Organic acids — fumaric acid and related compounds; anti-inflammatory
Tannins — mild astringent contribution

Clinical Applications

Menorrhagia (Heavy Menstrual Bleeding)

The primary and most specific application. Shepherd’s Purse reduces excessive menstrual blood flow through its combined vasoconstricting, haemostatic, and mild uterotonic actions. Used during menstruation for acute heavy flow control, and as a tonic leading up to the period in cases of chronically heavy periods. Often combined with Lady’s Mantle and Raspberry Leaf for comprehensive menstrual toning.

Post-Partum Haemorrhage

Traditional midwifery use for reducing post-partum bleeding — used under qualified supervision alongside conventional medical management.

Nosebleeds (Epistaxis)

Applied topically (freshly expressed juice or diluted tincture) to a cotton wad inserted into the nostril — the haemostatic compounds act locally to reduce bleeding.

Urinary Tract

Mild diuretic and mild antiseptic action — used for urinary tract infections and urinary bleeding (haematuria) as a supportive herb alongside the Cornsilk Plus.

Relevant Blog Posts

How to Use

Tea (fresh herb preferred): 2–4g fresh or dried herb steeped 10 minutes; 3 cups daily during heavy periods
Tincture (1:3): 3–5ml three times daily

Safety

Pregnancy: Contraindicated — the uterotonic compounds can stimulate contractions
Anticoagulants: The haemostatic activity may reduce anticoagulant effect — professional guidance
Thyroid conditions: The choline content may theoretically affect thyroid function — monitor

Contact Herba Naturalle for female reproductive herbal support. Browse all products and the full herb index.

This article is for informational purposes only. Severe or persistent bleeding requires medical assessment. Please consult a qualified medical herbalist before use.