Shepherd's Purse Herb

What is shepherd's purse herb? The mustard family (Brassicaceae) includes the plant known as shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris). The Mediterranean native shepherd's purse has spread around the globe and is now a widespread roadside and lawn weed. The plant stands out in the spring with its flat, heart-shaped green fruits borne along the inflorescence stalks. Tiny four-petaled blooms with white terminal clusters. Underneath the seeds are small, arrow-shaped clasping stem leaves. The plants, which may grow up to 45 cm (18 inches) tall at times, produce a rosette of almost whole or deeply cut basal leaves. How do I use shepherd's purse herb? As a tea: steep 1 oz of fresh herb in 12 oz of water, reduce to a half pint, and drink cold 2-3 times a day for bleeding (kidney, uterine [menstrual and postpartum], nosebleeds, and wounds). Take this infusion eight to ten days before your period to reduce heavy menstrual flow. Shepherd's Purse Herb benefits: Online, there are many claims made for this plant's several supposed advantages, such as reducing blood pressure, assisting with nosebleeds, encouraging wound healing, and inducing uterine contractions. However, current data is…