04/18/2025
Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)
AKA
Lady’s Purse, Poor Man’s Pepper, Mother’s Heart, Pickpocket, Cocowort
This post has been a long time coming. I love doing these posts but they take me quite a bit to put together.
Shepherd’s Purse has been on my “must talk about” list for a while, mostly because it’s one of those unassuming little w**ds with a huge list of uses—especially when it comes to bleeding and wound care. But like a lot of wild plants, the more I dug, the more I found.
It might not look like much—just another little roadside green—but don’t let its humble size fool you. Shepherd’s Purse has a long history of being a go-to herb in herbal medicine cabinets around the world. And yes... it’s another one that shows up in the yard uninvited and ends up being more helpful than most of the stuff we try to grow on purpose.
🐰🐰As always, rabbit uses are included, just scroll down a bit.
PLANT DESCRIPTION
Shepherd’s Purse is a fast-growing, cool-season annual that thrives in disturbed soils—roadsides, fields, gardens, even sidewalk cracks. If you've ever seen a w**d with little white flowers and those distinctive heart- or purse-shaped seed pods, chances are you’ve met it already.
The leaves are most edible in the early spring, much like dandelion or chicory greens. The seedpods add a peppery taste to stir fries and salads. Historically, the vitamin K–rich plant was used for all manner of internal and external blood regulation.
Growth: 6–18 inches tall
Leaves: Rosette at the base (can resemble dandelion greens), with smaller, simpler leaves up the stem
Flowers: Tiny, white, 4-petaled, blooming in clusters at the top
Seed Pods: Flat, heart-shaped (like little coin purses—hence the name), each about the size of a grain of rice
Roots: Small taproot, easy to pull
Taste/Odor: Slightly peppery or bitter
It grows everywhere—literally worldwide—and often pops up early in spring or persists through mild winters. If you forage, you’ll probably spot it before you even go looking for it.
CONSTITUENTS
Vitamins & Minerals: Vitamin C, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Iron, Zinc, Manganese
Compounds: Flavonoids (apigenin, quercetin, kaempferol), Choline, Acetylcholine, Tannins, Sulfur-containing compounds, Polypeptides, Saponins, Sinigrin (a glucosinolate)
Alkaloids & Acids: Fumaric acid, Bursinic acid, Bursinic aldehyde, Amines (including tyramine and histamine)
MEDICINAL & THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
Internally (tea, tincture, capsules):
- Styptic: Stops internal bleeding (esp. uterine, GI, and urinary tract)
- Astringent: Tightens and tones tissues
- Diuretic: Promotes urine flow
- Anti-inflammatory: Soothes irritated tissue
- Vasoconstrictor: Narrows blood vessels to reduce bleeding and swelling
- Cardiotonic: Slightly strengthens/tones the heart
- Uterine tonic: Supports and tones uterus, especially postpartum
- Antibacterial: Mild activity against pathogens
- Emmenagogue: Stimulates menstrual flow if sluggish (used cautiously)
Externally (poultice, wash, salve):
- Stops bleeding from cuts and wounds
- Reduces bruising and swelling
- Useful for hemorrhoids, varicose veins, nosebleeds
- Traditional eyewash for inflammation (diluted infusion)
FOLK & WORLDWIDE USES / ETHNOBOTANY
Shepherd’s Purse has been used in European, Asian, and Indigenous healing traditions. Common uses include:
- Postpartum bleeding in Europe
- Wound poultices in multiple cultures
- Nosebleed and menstrual treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Urinary support in Native American medicine
- One of Japan/Korea’s traditional spring herbs for health and renewal
- Battlefield herb used in wartime to control bleeding
HUMAN USES
1. Bleeding (Topical & Internal): Postpartum bleeding, Menorrhagia, Hemorrhoids, Nosebleeds
2. Uterine Support: Tones and contracts uterus postpartum or to regulate menstrual flow
3. GI Support: Mild diarrhea, GI inflammation
4. Urinary Tract: UTIs, cystitis, bedwetting, urinary urgency
5. Skin & External Uses: Bruises, burns, sore muscles, varicose veins, rashes
6. Cardiovascular: Folk use for mild hypertension and capillary fragility
🐰RABBIT USES🐰
Shepherd’s Purse isn’t one of the more commonly discussed herbs in the rabbit world, but hopefully that’s changing. Its properties make it a potentially useful addition to the natural first-aid or supplemental toolkit—especially for breeders, homesteaders, and anyone dealing with reproductive cycles or GI stress.
1. Bleeding (Styptic Use):
- May help in minor bleeding episodes like small wounds or nosebleeds.
- Anecdotally used postpartum to reduce bleeding and promote uterine recovery.
- Cold tea or powdered herb could be applied topically in emergencies.
2. Uterine & Reproductive Support:
- May assist uterine tone post-kindling.
- Some breeders report using weak tea to support postpartum healing and expel retained kits.
- Should be used with caution in pregnant does or not at all due to potential uterine stimulation but can be applied topically in most cases.
3. GI Support:
- Mildly astringent—may help with loose stools caused by inflammation.
- Does not stimulate gut motility like dandelion or plantain.
4. Other Considerations:
- Introduce slowly and in moderation.
- Not recommended for long-term use.
- Observe carefully for individual reactions.
**Cavies will eat it when diarrhea is present but typically will avoid at others time because of the astringent nature of the plant.
HARVESTING, RECIPES & PREPARATION METHODS
Harvesting Tips
- Harvest in early spring or fall when the plant is young and tender.
- Best picked before the plant flowers fully—this is when the energy is still in the leaves and roots.
- For medicinal use, the whole aerial plant (stems, leaves, flowers, and seed pods) is typically used.
- Use scissors or pinch at the base of the stem, avoiding roots if you want it to regrow.
- Dry in small bundles upside down in a well-ventilated, dark area. Once dry, store in a sealed jar or paper bag out of direct sunlight.
Tea (Infusion)
Use 1–2 tsp dried herb or a small handful of fresh chopped plant per 1 cup of hot water. Steep for 10–15 minutes. Strain and drink warm or cool. This tea can be taken 2–3 times a day to support urinary health, reduce bleeding, or used as a wash or compress externally.
Tincture
- Fill a clean glass jar halfway with chopped fresh plant (or 1/3 full with dried).
- Cover with vodka (at least 80 proof), shake well.
- Let sit for 4–6 weeks in a dark place, shaking occasionally.
- Strain and store in amber bottles.
- Dose: typically 10–30 drops up to 3x daily for adults (adjust accordingly for animal use).
Poultice
Mash fresh herb (or rehydrate dried) into a paste using a mortar, pestle, or blender. Apply directly to the skin and cover with gauze or cloth for bleeding, bruises, or swelling. Change every few hours as needed.
Compress/Wash
Soak a clean cloth in cooled Shepherd’s Purse tea and apply to wounds, hemorrhoids, or inflamed areas. Can be used on eyes (diluted) or for postpartum care.
Storage
- Dried herb: Store in a glass jar out of light and moisture. Lasts about 1 year.
- Tincture: Lasts several years if stored in a cool, dark place.
- Tea: Use immediately or refrigerate and use within 24–48 hours.
- Poultice: Make fresh each time for best results.
Here are a few food recipes I found while searching that sound tasty lol.
Edible Recipes Using Shepherd’s Purse
1. Shepherd’s Purse Soup
A traditional Korean-inspired soup (Naengi Guk)
Ingredients:
• 1 cup fresh Shepherd’s Purse, cleaned and chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 egg (optional, beaten)
• 3 cups water or mild broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sesame oil (optional)
Instructions:
• Bring water or broth to a boil.
• Add onion and garlic; simmer for 5 minutes.
• Stir in Shepherd’s Purse and cook for another 3–5 minutes until tender.
• If using an egg, stir it in slowly while stirring the soup.
• Add salt, pepper, and a dash of sesame oil to taste.
2. Shepherd’s Purse Rice Cakes (Naengi Tteok)
A seasonal Korean side dish
Ingredients:
• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• ½ cup blanched and finely chopped Shepherd’s Purse
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Salt to taste
• Warm water as needed
Instructions:
• Mix rice flour with chopped greens and a pinch of salt.
• Gradually add warm water to form a soft dough.
• Form small cakes or balls and steam for 10–15 minutes.
• Drizzle with sesame oil before serving.
3. Shepherd’s Purse Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
• 1–2 cups fresh Shepherd’s Purse, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp oil (olive, sesame, or your choice)
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• Dash of vinegar or lemon juice
Instructions:
• Heat oil in a skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Add Shepherd’s Purse and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
• Drizzle with soy sauce and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice before serving.
4. Shepherd’s Purse Dumpling Filling
Ingredients:
• 1 cup finely chopped Shepherd’s Purse (blanched and squeezed)
• ½ cup chopped mushrooms or ground meat (optional)
• ½ tsp sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Dumpling wrappers
Instructions:
• Mix all ingredients into a uniform filling.
• Place small scoops into wrappers and seal.
• Steam, pan-fry, or boil until cooked through.
5. Shepherd’s Purse Omelette
Ingredients:
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup finely chopped Shepherd’s Purse (lightly blanched)
• Salt and pepper
• Oil for pan
Instructions:
• Beat eggs and mix with chopped greens, salt, and pepper.
• Pour into a hot, lightly oiled pan and cook until set.
• Fold and serve with a drizzle of soy sauce or hot sauce if desired.
Sources & References
• Duke, J.A. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, CRC Press – for detailed phytochemical constituents and medicinal actions.
• Peterson Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs (Eastern/Central North America) – for field ID, traditional and current herbal uses.
• PubMed Database (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) – for clinical studies and documented pharmacological effects of Capsella bursa-pastoris.
• Botanical.com (A Modern Herbal by Maud Grieve) – for historical herbal practices and folk medicine notes.
• Materia Medica Resources from practicing herbalists including David Hoffmann, Michael Tierra, and Rosalee de la Forêt – for use profiles and preparation guidance.
• Ethnobotanical references from Korean traditional medicine and East Asian wild food use – for culinary and seasonal applications.
Small hobby breeder & botanist. Hollands are my main focus at this time SALES POLICY UPDATE: 
