Botanical Name: Capsella bursa-pastoris

Common Name:

English: Shepherd’s Purse, St. James’s Wort
Also, known as: Hirtenfaschel, Bourse de Pasteur, Borsa de Pastor, Borsa di Pastore, Shepherd’s bag, Shepherd’s scrip, Shepherd’s sprout, Lady’s purse, Witches’ pouches, Rattle pouches, Case-weed, Pickpocket, Pick-purse, Blind-weed, Pepper-and-salt, Poor man’s parmacettie, Sanguinary, Mother’s heart, Clappede pouch, Mumiri

Origin: Bulgaria

Harvested: Wild

Parts Used: Whole plant

General Information:

Shepherd’s purse is so called from the resemblance of the flat seed-pouches of the plant to an old-fashioned common leather purse. It is similarly called in France bourse de Pasteur, and in Germany hirtentasche. The plant is green but somewhat rough with hairs. The main leaves, 1 to 5 inches long, are very variable in form, either irregularly pinnatifid or entire and toothed. When not in flower, it may be distinguished by its radiating leaves, of which the outer lie close to the earth. The slender stem, which rises from the crown of the root, from the center of the rosette of radical leaves, is usually sparingly branched. It is smooth, except at the lower part, and bears a few, small, oblong leaves, arrow-shaped at the base, and above them, numerous small, white, inconspicuous flowers, which are self-fertilized and followed by wedge-shaped fruit pods, divided by narrow partitions into two cells, which contain numerous oblong yellow seeds.

How to use:

Hot Infusion:

The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. Hot water is needed to draw out the antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, flavonoids, and volatile oils from the botanicals. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:

You can sweeten your herbal tea with a bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.
You can make ice cubes or pops by freezing tea in ice trays or pop molds.

Precautions:

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

All information on this website is for educational purposes ONLY.

This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Shepherd’s Purse Herb Cut