Parts Most Frequently Used: Whole Plant, Flower, Leaf, Seed

Flavors/Temps: Slightly Bitter, Astringent, Cooling, Dry

Caution: Dosing is important. The plant is edible. However, an overdose of shepherd’s purse extract might cause paralysis, difficult breathing and in very rare cases death.  Not recommended during pregnancy, as it can cause uterine contractions Use with caution, and under the care of a trained healer, if a person has a preexisting heart condition.

History/Folklore: Shepherd’s purse flowers all year round in Britain. Its common name derives from the resemblance of the flat seed-pouches of the plant to an old-fashioned leather purse.

In the summer, the plant extract has a sharp, acrid taste. Blending it into wine or spirits of juniper can help mask the strong flavor, making it more palatable. The leaves, which taste similar to mustard greens, can be eaten in salads, soups and other recipes and are harvested all year round. The seeds have a peppery taste and can be used as a substitute for mustard seeds or pepper.

Shepherd’s purse contains a protein that constricts smooth muscles that support and surround blood vessels, especially those in the uterus. Some of the plant’s other constituents may accelerate clotting. The herb has a long history of being used to help the womb return to normal size after childbirth.

Shepherd’s purse has been used to stop heavy menstrual bleeding due to uterine fibroids, endometriosis, birth-control devices such as IUDs, post hysterectomy surgeries and even peri-menopausal bleeding.

Shepherd’s purse can affect the central nervous system. If combined with anesthesia or other medications before or after surgery, it may slow down the central nervous systems too much.  It is recommended that the herb not be used for at least 2 week prior to surgery.

In China, the herb is blended with other herbs to help treat blurred vision and spots before the eyes. It is a popular ingredient in Chinese dumplings and shows up in Japanese and Korean cooking too. The flowers, leaves and seeds are edible. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. They are best when eaten before the flower stalks appear. Their flavor is similar to the taste of radishes, but less hot. They are not unlike mustard greens.

In Japan, it is tradition to mix shepherd’s purse with rice and barley gruel that is served on January 7th every year.

A simple tea can be prepared by using 1-2 tsp of shepherd’s purse in a cup of hot water and let steep for 10-15 minutes. The tea can be taken 2-3 times daily.

The seeds of the plant are a valuable food for small wild and caged birds. When poultry have fed on the plant in early spring it has been noticed that their yokes become a greenish or olive color and stronger in flavor.

Shepherd’s purse leaves can be confused with dandelion leaves. The rosettes of dandelion face toward the center of the plant and shepherd’s purse leaf rosettes face outward. Dandelion leaves will also drip a milky white sap when ripped apart, shepherd’s purse leaves will not do this.

A decoction of shepherd’s purse mixed with milk, is fed to check purging in calves.