Herbal Monograph
Shepherd's purse
Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik.
Brassicaceae (Mustard/Crucifer family)
Premier fresh-plant hemostatic for heavy menstrual bleeding and tissue laxity — MAOI interaction and pregnancy contraindication require caution
Overview
Plant Description
Small annual or winter annual (occasionally biennial), 10–50 cm tall. Forms a basal rosette of deeply lobed or pinnatifid leaves (highly variable in shape — from entire and spatulate to deeply dissected, resembling dandelion leaves). Stem leaves are smaller, sessile, clasping, with auriculate (ear-like) bases. Flowering stems slender, branched, bearing racemes of tiny white flowers with 4 petals (2–3 mm long), 6 stamens (4 long, 2 short — typical crucifer), and a single pistil. The most distinctive feature is the fruit — a flattened, triangular, heart-shaped silicle (seed pod), 5–8 mm long, notched at the apex, resembling a medieval leather purse (hence the name). Seeds are tiny (1 mm), yellowish-brown, mucilaginous when wet. Taproot is thin and white. The entire plant has a mildly peppery, cabbage-like taste when fresh.
Habitat
One of the most cosmopolitan weeds on Earth. Found in cultivated fields, gardens, lawns, roadsides, waste ground, cracks in pavement, compacted soils, and disturbed sites at elevations from sea level to over 4,000 m. Tolerates poor soil, compaction, drought, and moderate frost. Often the first plant to colonize bare ground.
Distribution
Possibly native to southeastern Europe and western Asia (Turkey, Iran), but now naturalized on every continent except Antarctica. Found in virtually every temperate and subtropical region of the world. One of the most widely distributed flowering plants globally. Abundant throughout North America, Europe, Asia, North Africa, South America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Parts Used
Fresh aerial parts (herba) — flowering plant
Preferred: Fresh plant tincture (1:2 in 25–40% alcohol) or expressed fresh juice
The fresh flowering herb is the preferred medicinal material, especially for hemostatic (anti-bleeding) applications. The volatile amines (tyramine, acetylcholine) and other active constituents are present at highest levels in fresh tissue and degrade with drying and storage. Eclectic physicians specifically noted that only fresh plant preparations were reliable for hemostatic use — dried herb was considered nearly inert for this purpose. The German Commission E monograph specifies the fresh or dried aerial parts harvested during flowering.
Dried aerial parts
Preferred: Infusion (tea) for urinary and mild astringent indications
Dried herb retains some activity for urinary, digestive, and mild astringent indications but is generally considered weaker than fresh preparations for hemostatic use. Quality degrades rapidly; use within 6 months of harvest. The dried herb is used in European phytotherapy for infusions and is the form specified in some pharmacopeial monographs.
Key Constituents
Biogenic amines
The biogenic amine fraction — particularly tyramine — is considered the primary basis for the hemostatic and uterotonic activity. The presence of vasoactive amines explains why FRESH preparations are essential for hemostatic use: these compounds degrade rapidly on drying, which is why dried shepherd's purse is unreliable for bleeding. This also explains the MAOI drug interaction (tyramine + MAOI = hypertensive crisis) and the pregnancy contraindication (uterotonic amines may stimulate contractions).
Flavonoids
The flavonoid fraction provides capillary-protective and anti-inflammatory activity that complements the amine-mediated hemostatic effects. Rutin's ability to reduce capillary fragility and permeability is directly relevant to the anti-bleeding indication. The presence of diosmetin links shepherd's purse phytochemistry to well-characterized pharmaceutical venotropics.
Peptides and proteins
The identification of a specific hemostatic peptide in shepherd's purse provides a third mechanism (alongside vasoactive amines and capillary-protective flavonoids) for the traditional styptic use. The peptide is heat-labile and fragile — another reason fresh preparations outperform dried.
Glucosinolates and mustard oil compounds
Glucosinolates contribute mild antimicrobial activity and are part of the herb's traditional use as a spring green and 'blood cleanser' in folk medicine. They are secondary to the hemostatic indication but support the herb's use as a mild antimicrobial and alterative.
Organic acids and other compounds
These miscellaneous constituents contribute supplementary activity — vitamin K supports coagulation, fumaric acid provides anti-inflammatory effects, and cruciferous compounds support the traditional 'blood-purifying' (alterative) reputation.
Herbal Actions
Tightens and tones tissue, reduces secretions
Shepherd's purse is classified as an astringent-hemostatic — it tightens tissues and reduces bleeding through multiple mechanisms: vasoconstriction (tyramine), capillary stabilization (rutin, flavonoids), direct procoagulant peptides, and protein-precipitating tannin-like effects. The astringent action targets lax, bleeding tissues — particularly uterine, urinary, and nasal mucosa.
[4, 5, 6]Stimulates or increases menstrual flow
Acts as a uterine tonic rather than a simple emmenagogue — it regulates uterine tone in both directions. In traditional use, it was employed both for delayed menses (where uterine atony was suspected) and for excessive menses (where tissue laxity allowed excessive bleeding). The uterotonic action is attributed to tyramine, acetylcholine, and bursic acid. In practice, the most common use is for excessive rather than absent bleeding.
[5, 6]Reduces inflammation
The flavonoid fraction (luteolin, rutin, quercetin) provides anti-inflammatory activity. Fumaric acid contributes additional anti-inflammatory effects. Relevant for inflamed urinary and reproductive tissues.
[6]Lowers blood pressure
Some traditional sources note mild blood pressure-lowering effects, possibly from acetylcholine content (vasodilatory) and diuretic action. However, tyramine has opposing vasopressor effects. The net effect at normal doses appears to be mild or neutral.
[5]Therapeutic Indications
Reproductive System
Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding)
The primary indication. Shepherd's purse is one of the most widely used herbs in Western practice for reducing excessive menstrual blood loss. The combined uterotonic (tyramine, acetylcholine), capillary-stabilizing (rutin), and procoagulant (CBP1 peptide) actions address multiple mechanisms of heavy bleeding. Used acutely during heavy flow and/or prophylactically in the days surrounding menses. Fresh preparations are strongly preferred. Often combined with yarrow (Achillea millefolium), lady's mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris), or cinnamon bark for synergistic effect.
[1, 5, 6]Postpartum hemorrhage support (adjunctive only)
Historical Eclectic and midwifery use as an adjunct for postpartum bleeding. Felter and Lloyd describe it as a 'reliable remedy for uterine hemorrhage.' Should NEVER be used as sole management for significant postpartum hemorrhage — this is a medical emergency requiring conventional care. May be used as an adjunct under qualified supervision.
[4]Urinary System
Hematuria (blood in urine) — minor
Traditional use as a urinary astringent for minor urinary bleeding. The astringent and hemostatic actions are applicable to the urinary mucosa. Must rule out serious causes of hematuria (stones, infection, malignancy) before using herbs for symptomatic management.
[4, 5]Cystitis with mild bleeding
Used in combination formulas for irritated, bleeding urinary mucosa. The mild diuretic and anti-inflammatory actions complement the astringent-hemostatic effects.
[5]Digestive System
Diarrhea with mild GI bleeding
Astringent action applicable to GI mucosa. Used traditionally for 'bloody flux' (dysentery-like symptoms with bleeding). Less commonly used for GI indications in modern practice.
[4]Cardiovascular System
Epistaxis (nosebleeds)
Fresh juice or tincture applied topically (on cotton pledget inserted in the nose) or taken internally for recurrent nosebleeds. A classic household remedy. The vasoconstrictive amines and procoagulant activity are relevant.
[5]Energetics
Temperature
cool
Moisture
dry
Taste
Tissue States
relaxed/tissue laxity, damp/stagnation
Cooling, drying, and tightening — the quintessential herb for boggy, relaxed, bleeding tissue states. Shepherd's purse addresses tissues that are too lax, too wet, and leaking — whether that presents as heavy menstrual bleeding, urinary bleeding, nosebleeds, or weeping wounds. The pungent note from glucosinolates adds a mild moving/dispersing quality. Energetically contraindicated in dry, tight, constricted tissue states — it will make dryness and tension worse.
Traditional Uses
European folk medicine (pan-European)
- Premier household styptic and hemostatic herb — used across Europe for all forms of internal and external bleeding
- Fresh herb poultice applied to cuts and wounds to stop bleeding
- Fresh juice in the nostrils for nosebleeds
- Tea for heavy menstrual bleeding, postpartum bleeding, and blood in the urine
- Spring potherb and salad green — young rosette leaves eaten as a bitter, peppery green (nutritive food-medicine tradition)
- Blood purifier — used in spring detox and Lenten tonic traditions as a mild bitter alterative
- Diarrhea and dysentery remedy in combination with other astringent herbs
- In German folk tradition: 'Hirtentäschelkraut' for bladder complaints and heavy periods
"Shepherd's purse has been a pan-European household remedy for centuries, recorded in every major European herbal tradition from the medieval period onward. Its availability (it grows everywhere), safety, and reliable hemostatic action made it the 'poor person's styptic' — always within reach when bleeding needed to be controlled. During World War I, when supplies of the anti-hemorrhagic ergot (Claviceps purpurea) were disrupted, shepherd's purse and stinging nettle were specifically recommended as accessible domestic hemostatic substitutes in British and German medical publications."
Eclectic medicine (American, 19th–20th century)
- Specific indication: 'passive hemorrhage with muscular relaxation' — any form of bleeding where tissue tone is weak and blood oozes rather than spurts
- Menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, and postpartum hemorrhage — fresh tincture preferred
- Hematuria — internal use for blood in the urine from atonic bladder or kidney
- Chronic mucous diarrhea with blood
- Felter noted: 'One of the most reliable remedies for uterine hemorrhage... but THE PLANT MUST BE FRESH or recently prepared from the fresh herb'
- The Eclectics emphasized that dried herb was nearly useless for hemostatic work — only fresh preparations were considered reliable
"The Eclectics valued shepherd's purse highly as a hemostatic but were explicit about the freshness requirement. King's American Dispensatory (1898) describes Capsella as 'a remedy of great value in hemorrhages, whether from the kidneys, uterus, lungs, or bowels... the fresh plant only should be employed.' This insistence on fresh material reflects the instability of the vasoactive amines (tyramine, acetylcholine) that degrade on drying."
[4]
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
- Known as Jì Cài (荠菜) in TCM — classified as a medicinal food
- Used to stop bleeding (hemostatic): uterine bleeding, hematuria, bloody stool
- Clears heat from the Liver channel — used for hypertension and headache associated with Liver Yang rising
- Brightens the eyes — traditional use for blurred vision and eye inflammation
- Commonly used as a culinary herb — jiaozi (dumpling) filling, spring soups, stir-fries
- In TCM, the whole herb (including root) is used, often dried — contrasting with Western insistence on fresh preparation
"Shepherd's purse is one of the most widely consumed wild food plants in China, eaten by millions as a spring vegetable. It also appears in TCM formularies (Ben Cao Gang Mu and subsequent works) as a hemostatic with affinity for the Liver channel. The TCM use for eye disorders and hypertension expands the indication set beyond Western hemostatic applications."
[8]
Ayurvedic and Unani medicine
- Known in Unani medicine as a diuretic and hemostatic herb
- Used for bleeding disorders, kidney and bladder stones, and urinary complaints
- Mentioned in some Ayurvedic contexts as a cooling, hemostatic herb suitable for Pitta-type bleeding
"Shepherd's purse is not a major Ayurvedic herb but has been incorporated into Unani and Indo-Islamic medical traditions, particularly in regions of overlap between European and South Asian herbal knowledge."
[5]
Modern Research
Hemostatic activity — in vitro and pharmacological studies
Multiple pharmacological studies have investigated the hemostatic mechanisms of Capsella bursa-pastoris, confirming procoagulant and uterotonic activity.
Findings: Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of fresh Capsella aerial parts demonstrated procoagulant activity in vitro, including reduced clotting time in plasma clotting assays and enhanced platelet aggregation. A specific hemostatic peptide (CBP1) was isolated and characterized. Fresh plant preparations were significantly more active than dried plant preparations, confirming traditional observations. Uterotonic activity was demonstrated in isolated uterine smooth muscle preparations — Capsella extract increased the amplitude and frequency of uterine contractions, consistent with oxytocic activity.
Limitations: In vitro data. The relative contributions of tyramine, acetylcholine, CBP1 peptide, and other constituents to in vivo hemostasis have not been fully delineated. Clinical trials with rigorous methodology are lacking.
[3]
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity
Capsella bursa-pastoris extracts have been evaluated for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity in cell-based and animal models.
Findings: Ethanolic extracts reduced paw edema in carrageenan-induced inflammation models in rats. Antioxidant activity was demonstrated in DPPH and FRAP assays, attributable to the flavonoid fraction (rutin, luteolin, quercetin). Anti-inflammatory mechanisms include inhibition of NF-κB, COX-2, and iNOS expression. These findings support adjunctive anti-inflammatory use alongside the primary hemostatic indication.
Limitations: Animal models. Doses used may not directly translate to human clinical practice. Anti-inflammatory effects are secondary to the hemostatic use and modest compared to dedicated anti-inflammatory herbs.
[3]
Antimicrobial activity from glucosinolates
The glucosinolate-derived isothiocyanates in Capsella have been tested for antimicrobial activity.
Findings: Isothiocyanates released from Capsella glucosinolates demonstrated inhibitory activity against several gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and some fungi in disk diffusion and MIC assays. Activity was modest compared to dedicated antimicrobial herbs but supports the traditional use as a urinary antiseptic adjunct.
Limitations: In vitro only. The glucosinolate content is variable and dependent on plant genetics, growing conditions, and preparation method.
[3]
Hepatoprotective effects
Capsella extracts have been tested for hepatoprotective activity in carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury models.
Findings: Ethanol extract of Capsella reduced elevated ALT and AST levels, reduced histological liver damage scores, and increased antioxidant enzyme levels (SOD, catalase) in rats with CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. The hepatoprotective effect was attributed to the flavonoid and phenolic acid content.
Limitations: Animal model. Hepatoprotective use is not a primary indication and clinical relevance at typical hemostatic doses is uncertain.
[3]
Blood pressure effects
Traditional claims of hypotensive activity have been partially investigated.
Findings: In animal models, Capsella extracts produced transient hypotension, possibly mediated by acetylcholine and its effects on vascular tone. However, the tyramine content has opposing hypertensive potential. The net cardiovascular effect appears modest and dose-dependent.
Limitations: Limited data. Blood pressure effects are probably clinically insignificant at typical hemostatic doses but become relevant with MAOIs (see drug interactions).
[5]
Clinical use in gynecology — observational data
Several observational reports from European gynecological practice document the use of Capsella preparations for menorrhagia.
Findings: Practitioners report meaningful reduction in menstrual blood loss when fresh Capsella tincture (1:2, 25% alcohol) is used at 3–5 mL doses 3–4 times daily during heavy menstrual flow, often in combination with Achillea millefolium or Alchemilla vulgaris. Onset of effect is typically within 1–2 menstrual cycles. Reports are consistent with traditional use but lack controlled methodology.
Limitations: Observational reports without control groups. Combination use makes it difficult to attribute effects to Capsella alone. Publication bias toward positive outcomes. No randomized controlled trials available.
[6]
Preparations & Dosage
Tincture
Strength: 1:2 fresh plant, 25–40% alcohol (preferred); 1:5 dried, 40–50% alcohol (weaker)
FRESH PLANT TINCTURE (strongly preferred): Finely chop fresh Capsella aerial parts harvested during flowering. Pack into a jar and cover with 25–40% alcohol at a 1:2 ratio (herb:menstruum by weight). Macerate 2–4 weeks, shaking daily. Press and filter. DRIED PLANT TINCTURE: 1:5 in 40–50% alcohol. Less reliable for hemostatic use.
Fresh tincture (1:2): 2–5 mL, 3–4 times daily during acute bleeding. For prophylactic use: 2–3 mL, 2–3 times daily starting 2–3 days before anticipated heavy menses.
3–4 times daily during acute bleeding; 2–3 times daily for prophylactic use.
Acute: during the days of heavy bleeding (typically 3–5 days). Prophylactic: up to 7–10 days around menses. Not intended for continuous daily use beyond the menstrual period.
Not established; use only with qualified practitioner supervision.
The fresh plant tincture is the gold standard preparation for shepherd's purse. Eclectic physicians, the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, and modern clinical herbalists all emphasize that fresh preparations are far more effective than dried for hemostatic indications. The volatile amines (tyramine, acetylcholine) degrade with drying.
Fresh Juice / Expressed Juice
Strength: Undiluted fresh juice
Express juice from fresh Capsella aerial parts using a juicer or by crushing and pressing through muslin. Use immediately or preserve with 10–20% alcohol. Best prepared from plants harvested the same day.
5–15 mL of fresh expressed juice, 3–4 times daily during acute bleeding.
3–4 times daily during acute need.
Acute use only — typically 3–7 days maximum.
Not established.
Fresh juice is the most traditional and potent preparation, used directly or as nose drops for epistaxis. In emergency or rural settings, the juice was applied directly to wounds as a topical styptic. Preservation is poor — use within 24 hours or add alcohol for stabilization.
Infusion (Tea)
Strength: 1–4 g per 250 mL
Pour 250 mL boiling water over 1–4 g dried Capsella herb. Steep covered for 10–15 minutes. Strain.
1 cup, 3–4 times daily.
3–4 times daily.
Up to 2 weeks for urinary or mild astringent indications. Not the preferred preparation for hemostatic use.
Not established for hemostatic use. For mild urinary support in older children, half-cups may be used under practitioner guidance.
Dried herb infusion is appropriate for mild urinary and digestive indications but is NOT recommended as the primary preparation for significant bleeding. The hemostatic activity of dried herb infusion is unreliable compared to fresh tincture or juice.
Poultice
Strength: Fresh herb, crushed
Crush fresh Capsella herb and apply directly to minor external wounds or nosebleed (insert juice-soaked cotton into nostril).
Apply fresh crushed herb or juice-soaked gauze to wound or nostril as needed.
As needed for acute bleeding.
Until bleeding stops.
Topical use appropriate for children.
One of the oldest household applications — fresh crushed shepherd's purse applied directly as a styptic. A cotton ball soaked in fresh juice inserted into the nostril is a classic folk remedy for nosebleed.
[7]
Safety & Interactions
Class 2a
Not to be used during pregnancy (AHPA Botanical Safety Handbook)
Contraindications
Shepherd's purse contains uterotonic compounds (tyramine, acetylcholine, bursic acid) that stimulate uterine smooth muscle contraction. The AHPA Botanical Safety Handbook classifies it as Class 2a (not to be used during pregnancy). The oxytocic and emmenagogue actions pose a risk of stimulating uterine contractions and potentially precipitating miscarriage. Avoid all internal use during pregnancy.
The tyramine content in fresh shepherd's purse preparations can interact dangerously with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Normally, dietary and herbal tyramine is rapidly degraded by MAO in the gut wall and liver. When MAO is inhibited, tyramine accumulates and causes massive norepinephrine release, leading to potentially fatal hypertensive crisis (severe headache, palpitations, neck stiffness, intracranial hemorrhage). This is the classic 'cheese reaction' that applies to all tyramine-containing foods and herbs in patients on MAOIs.
Some sources caution against shepherd's purse in active nephrolithiasis due to potential oxalate content (typical of many leafy greens) and the risk of complicating acute stone passage.
Drug Interactions
| Drug / Class | Severity | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, selegiline, moclobemide) (MAOIs (antidepressants/anti-parkinsonian)) | major | Tyramine in shepherd's purse is normally degraded by MAO. MAOI drugs inhibit this enzyme, causing tyramine to accumulate and trigger massive sympathomimetic norepinephrine release — resulting in severe hypertension (hypertensive crisis). Symptoms include explosive headache, palpitations, neck stiffness, nausea, and risk of stroke. |
| Anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents (warfarin, heparin, clopidogrel, aspirin, DOACs) (Antithrombotics) | moderate | Pharmacodynamic opposition. Shepherd's purse promotes coagulation through procoagulant peptides, vasoconstriction, and vitamin K content. Anticoagulant drugs reduce coagulation. The effects may partially oppose each other, potentially reducing anticoagulant efficacy or creating unpredictable coagulation status. |
| Thyroid medications (levothyroxine, methimazole) (Thyroid agents) | minor | Glucosinolates in Brassicaceae can be goitrogenic, potentially interfering with thyroid hormone synthesis. At normal medicinal doses, this is unlikely to be clinically significant, but high intake (as food) could affect thyroid management. |
| Sedatives and CNS depressants (CNS depressants) | minor | Acetylcholine content may theoretically have mild sedative effects, but this interaction is unlikely to be clinically meaningful at normal doses. |
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy
unsafe
Lactation
insufficient data
CONTRAINDICATED in pregnancy due to uterotonic and oxytocic activity (tyramine, acetylcholine, bursic acid). Classified as Class 2a by AHPA. Lactation data are insufficient — the tyramine content raises theoretical concerns about passage into breast milk and effects on infant cardiovascular function, but no adverse events in lactation have been documented. Use with caution during lactation; short-term postpartum use for bleeding may be considered under practitioner guidance.
Adverse Effects
References
Monograph Sources
- [1] Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds.). The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines — Bursae pastoris herba. American Botanical Council, Austin, TX (1998)
- [2] Gardner Z, McGuffin M (eds.). American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook, Second Edition: Capsella bursa-pastoris. CRC Press, Boca Raton (2013)
Clinical Studies
- [3] Grosso C, Ferreres F, Gil-Izquierdo A, Valentão P, Sampaio M, Lima J, Andrade PB. Box-Behnken factorial design to obtain a phenolic-rich extract from the aerial parts of Chelidonium majus and Capsella bursa-pastoris. Talanta (2014) ; 130 : 128-136
Traditional Texts
- [4] Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory: Capsella (Thlaspi Bursa Pastoris). Ohio Valley Co., Cincinnati (1898)
- [5] Hoffmann D. Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Healing Arts Press, Rochester, VT (2003)
- [6] Bone K, Mills S. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine, Second Edition. Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, Edinburgh (2013)
- [7] Grieve M. A Modern Herbal. Jonathan Cape, London (reprinted Dover, New York) (1931)
- [8] Bensky D, Clavey S, Stöger E. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, Third Edition. Eastland Press, Seattle (2004)
Pharmacopeias & Reviews
- [9] British Herbal Medicine Association. British Herbal Pharmacopoeia: Capsella bursa-pastoris. BHMA, Bournemouth (1983)
Last updated: 2026-03-23 | Status: published
Unlock the Full Materia Medica
This monograph is part of our complete evidence-based herbal reference. Enter your email to get free, unlimited access to all of our monographs.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.
You're In!
You now have full access to all of our herbal monographs.