| Most Common Name: | Shepherd's
Purse | | Botanical Name: | Capsella
Bursa-pastoris | | Also Known As
(other names): | Hirtentasche, Bourse de pasteur,
Clappedepouch, Shepherds pouch, Shepherd's Bag, Shepherd's Sprout, Lady's Purse,
Rattle pouches, Pick-purse, Blindweed, Witches pouch, Rattle pouch, Mother's
heart, Pickpocket. |
This herb, Shepherd's Purse or Shepherds Pouch, that is commonly found all
over the world except for the tropics has a long history of being ignored. Shepherd's
Purse was used as a laxative in ancient Greece but it was years later, in the
middle ages that Shepherd's Purse became popular for stopping bleeding. The
origin of Shepherd's Purse is debatable as it must have been introduced widely
by the ancient Greeks and Romans and as Shepherd's Purse grows like a weed it
rapidly became a weed all over the world. Shepherd's Purse is a green weed
with its major leaves fanned out around the core. Central stalks carry much
smaller leaves, flowers and eventually the wallet like seed pouches which is
where the name Shepherd's Purse comes from.
It is
used for, or in treatment of: | | Astringent | Internal
and external haemorrhage | Antiseptic | | Urinary
tract infections | Wounds | Inflammation | | Labour
inducement | | |
Constituents: | | Below
we list reported constituents of this herb. This may not be complete as
continuous research constantly discovers new constituents. Where possible we
also provide information about constituents and their application, effect and
side effects, if any. We do not provide information on the interaction between
constituents. | |
Polyphenols - Flavonoids: Affecting the cardiovascular system
flavonoids protect against environmental stress and pollution. Based on studies
a correlation was found with improved cardiovascular function. A similar study
found the same trend in respect of strokes. general effects of flavenoids:
antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive while specific
actions are membrane strengthening and antioxidant.
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Flavonoids: Flavonoids occur (as white and yellow plant pigments
found almost as commonly as chlorophyll) as Glycosides or in a free state. In
plants it is essential for protecting plant tissue from UV radiation and acts as
antioxidants. As pigments it is also responsible for Autumn colors in leaves and
yellow/red pigmentation in flowers. Laboratory experiments have been
conducted on the beneficiary effect of Flavonoids on the heart and circulatory
system. Flavonoids are also used to mitigate stress, especially environmental
stress. Flavonoids are often used for their antioxidant effect against free
radicals. There are also strong indications that they have antiviral,
anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive properties but dosage has not been
determined which will obviously have a profound effect on their efficacy as a
component of this herb. |
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Polypeptide: In some laboratory tests there seem to be
indications that polypeptide causes mild contractions of the uterus, which may
indicate that it will assist menstrual problems and during child birth but it
also means that pregnant mothers or people that are trying to fall pregnant
should only use this substance under the supervision of their doctor. | |
Alkaloids Typical alkaloids are alkaline organic vegetable
substances containing one or more nitrogen atoms. This nitrogen base is capable
of combining with acids to form crystalline salts. Most alkaloids are derived
from amino acids while a few are derived from isoprene units. Alkaloids are white or colourless solids containing oxygen (oxygen
free alkaloids are few and far between and then can only exist as liquids) Most
alkaloids are not water soluble, extraction is normally by tincture.
Alkaloids are found in about one quarter of all flowering plants. Thousands of
alkaloids have been identified from a large number of plants where the alkaloid
can be present in virtually every part of the plant or just a specific part like
rhizome, leaf or seed.
Alkaloids
generally have profound physiological impact on the human body and nervous
system effects are predominant.
Many alkaloids are used as extracted and refined compounds derived from the
actual plants or synthesised compounds in pharmaceutical drugs.
Several Alkaloids are banned in many countries because of the extreme impact
on the nervous system (strychnine for instance is a deadly poison in very small
doses) and the habit forming nature of some of the alkaloid compounds. |
Glucosinolates: Caustic, rather unpleasant, tasting
compound formed by decarboxylation on amino acids. Although some glucosinolates
have an antibiotic effect the toxicity of this compound prohibits consumption in
large doses.
These mustard oil glycosides are responsible for the pungent and spicy taste
of horseradish, rocket, cress and of course mustard seeds.
the most frequent use of glucosinolates is in culinary applications. Most
glucosinolates stimulate appetite and the digestive process. The oils are
rubefacient and very irritant and when ingested in significant quantity will
cause vomiting. Other effects exhibited and researched to some degree but not
fully substantiated are: antibiotic, cytotoxic and cancer protective,
Mustard poultices were historically used for bronchial congestion but this
practice has died off probably due to the rather dramatic and potentially
harmful side effects.
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Contraindications,
do not use if: | | Trying to fall pregnant | If
taking an anticoagulant | | | We
at Beneforce are certainly not experts in the use of every herb. In our studies
and research we do come across warnings that a herb should not be used in
certain circumstances or for certain conditions and ailments. Where possible we
will reflect these on our pages but cannot guarantee that for any herb our list
of contraindications are complete or valid. We urge that you consult an
appropriate and knowledgeable practitioner before treatment. |
Administered
as/Available in: | | Tincture | Infusion | Compress | | Powdered
herb | Fluid extract | |
* Statements made
have not been evaluated by American Food and Drug Authority or similar board
or authority of any other country.
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You must consult your healthcare practitioner or doctor before commencing
any dietary change, taking or ceasing to take any medication, starting or
stopping a treatment of any suspected or diagnosed medical condition or self
improvement plan. |
Warning! |
Read our detailed warning and disclaimer |
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