Capsella bursa-pastoris

Capsella bursa-pastoris                             Common name:  Shepherd’s Purse
Family: Cruciferae

Parts Used:  Aerial parts

Constituents:  Flavonoids, polypeptides, fumaric and bursic acids, choline, acetylcholine, histamine, quercitin, tyramine bases.

Medicinal actions:  Astringent, styptic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, urinary antiseptic, antipyretic, uterine stimulant.

Medicinal use: Capsella is most indicated in mild cases of uterine bleeding and in post partum hemorrhage. It can allay internal bleeding in any site, but has most efficacy in staunching bleeding from ulcerated tissues (lung, stomach, kidneys, etc.). Its styptic actions are noted on external application in the treatment of wounds, hemorrhoids, and epistaxis.

Pharmacy:  Infusion:  3-5 g/day (for heavy bleeding: 5g/cup TID). Tincture (1:5, 25%),  2-10 ml TID (10 ml TID for heavy bleeding). Poultice, Compress for external bleeding.

Toxicity: None known.

Contraindications: None known.

Interactions: Theoretically may in interfere with anticoagulants.