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Shepherd's Purse - Uses and Benefits
Alternative Names:
Chinese cress, lady's purse, rattle puches, rattle weed , Nazuna,pepper and salt,St. James' weed ,case-weed, Witch's pouches, pickpocket, shepherd's bag, shepherd's scrip, shepherd's sprout, shepherd's heart, rattle pouches, blindweed, poor man's parmacettie, mother's heart, cocowort, toywort.
Irish = clappedepouch , French = bourse de pasteur,Spanish = Borsa de Pastor, German = hirtentasche or hirtenfaschel, Italian = Borsa di pastore.
Herb Description
Shepherd's Purse is native to Europe , but common in many parts of the world. It appears in arable and horticultural crops and as a garden weed. Its name comes from Latin and means "little box" & "purse of the shepherd". This name refers to the capsule in the shape of a shepherd 's purse, which is also its general name .Shepherd's Purse founds in gardens,fields, waste grounds, lots, and embankments with soils that are not too dry and that provide enough sunshine.
Shepherd's purse is a small green plant, reaching to 6-20 cm high. Its fine stalks spread along the main stem. The basal leaves are a leaf shape and dentate.Its the seed capsule that makes this plant so special . A flat fruit is in a shape of heart(6-9 mm long), attached to the stalk by its pointed end, projecting erect. It contains many small, oval seeds, and resembles the purses, or pouches that people carried in the Middle Ages. Shepherd's Purse produces number of, small, white color blossom (2.5-3 mm in diameter), and flowers from Spring until Fall.
Shepherd's Purse has been used as a remedy for centuries. In Chinese medicine, it is used for dysentery and eye disorders.To improve vision people still chew the seeds of the Shepherd's Purse . Traditionally it has been used to stem internal & external bleeding .Shepherd's Purse also used to minimize urinary tract infection & to lower fevers.
Properties
- Uterine Stimulant.
- Diuretic.
- Astringent.
- Anti-Haemorrhagic.
- Urinary Antiseptic.
- Antipyretic.
Uses and Benefits
Shepherd's Purse work as a remedy for blood pressure problems,Nose bleeds,Irregular heartbeat,Wounds and burns, Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) ,Weak heart. It can be used to promote uterine contraction during childbirth and successfully worked in cases of hemorrhage after childbirth.
Shepherd's Purse is also used as a treatment for irregular or excessive menstrual bleeding, superficial bleeding from skin injuries & headache. it's used as a remedy for swelling and urinary tract infections in Asian medicine .Internally its used to prevent further bleeding, especially during heavy menstruation, nosebleeds, hemorrhoids, blood in urine & wounds. Externally Shepherd's Purse is applied for bleeding, bruising as well as varicose veins.
Shepherd's purse contains androgenic properties.Its ability to control progesterone levels.If any women is into menopause & have been experiencing excessive, irregular bleeding or spotting, this plant will treat to regulate and increase the length of menstrual cycles until the natural cessation of menses.
Side Effects
- Consult to doctor before taking Shepherd's Purse,for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- Shepherd's Purse is not recommended for person with kidney stones or kidney disease.
- If person have blood pressure, thyroid gland, or heart problems ,consult to doctor before taking Shepherd's Purse.
- Using Shepherd's purse may cause changes in heart rate or heartbeat.
- Extreme tiredness, goiter swelling (neck) or pain, problem moving arms and legs, or skin blisters may appears with Shepherd's Purse while using.
- If shepherd's purse has been put on skin it may show redness and swelling.
- If taken Shepherd's Purse by mouth it may create stomach upset.
- Excess doses of shepherd's Purse extract may cause heart palpitations.
Dosage
Internal Use:
1. Infusion:
- Steep 2-4 gm in 150 ml hot water for 15 minutes take 2 to 4 times daily between meals.
2. Fluid Extract (1:1):
- in 25% alcohol: 1-4 ml, 3 times per day.
Topical use:
1.Infusion:
- Steep 3-5 gm in 180 ml hot water for 10 to 15 minutes applied to injured skin.
2.Fluidextract:
- 5-8 gm, applied to injured skin.
3.Tea:
- Drink throughout the day
Drug Interactions
None known.
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