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Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)

Capsella bursa-pastoris, commonly known as shepherd’s purse, is easily identified by its distinctive triangular, flat, purse-like fruits. This small, herbaceous annual belongs to the mustard family and is native to eastern Europe and western Asia. Shepherd’s purse has a rich history of use, with seeds even discovered in Neolithic settlements in Turkey. Though often considered a common weed in areas where it has naturalized, shepherd’s purse has been valued for its beneficial properties in folk herbalism for thousands of years. It can be macerated into a liquid extract or steeped as a herbal tea.

Botanical Characteristics

Shepherd’s purse is a biennial plant, emerging from a rosette of leaves at its base with an erect stem. It produces four-petaled white flowers that give way to its unique heart- or purse-shaped seedpods, which is how the plant got its name, reflecting its resemblance to a shepherd’s pouch from the Middle Ages. As a member of the mustard family, it shares kinship with cabbage, broccoli, and watercress. All above-ground parts of the plant are used in herbal preparations.

Precautions

Not recommended for use during pregnancy, except under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner. It is always advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.