Herbs & Herbal Remedies @ Green Papaya

This herb won’t set the herbal Healing world on fire, but it may help some people with gastrointestinal disorders, women with heavy menstrual flow, or pregnant women waiting to go into labor-if they can stomach its taste.

Bleeding - Shepherd’s purse contains substances that hasten the coagulation of blood, according to an article in the British journal Nature. German medical herbalist Rudolph Fritz Weiss, M.D., writes it “definitely has haemostatic [blood-stopping] properties … [but they are] not very great.”

First-aid authorities recommend treating bleeding with sustained pressure on the wound. Blood in phlegm, urine, or stool requires prompt professional treatment. Shepherd’s purse is no substitute for standard treatments. However, people with ulcers, colitis, Crohn’s disease, or bleeding disorders or women with heavy menstrual flow might try shepherd’s purse in consultation with their physicians, and see if it helps.

Labor Inducer - Shepherd’s purse also contains some substances that may help stimulate uterine contractions as effectively as the drug oxytocin (Pitocin). Oxytocin is often given to trigger labor. Pregnant women should not use shepherd’s purse, except at term and in consultation with their physicians.

Astringent - The herb also has some minor anti-inflammatory astringent action, lending some credence to its traditional uses for wounds and hemorrhoids.

Rx for Shepherd’s Purse

To possibly help stop bleeding or hasten labor, use I teaspoon of dried herb per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 minutes. Drink up to 2 cups a day. The taste of shepherd’s purse is biting and unpleasant. Add sugar. honey, and lemon, or mix it with an herbal beverage blend to improve flavor.

In a tincture, use ¼ to ½ teaspoon up to twice a day. Shepherd’s purse should not be given to children under age 2. For older children and people over 65, start with lowstrength preparations and increase strength if necessary.