shopping Shepherd's purse - two varieties

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[ 4595 ]Capsella bursa-pastoris

Shepherd's Purse Herb Powder

Discontinued

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[ 122 ]Capsella bursa-pastoris

Shepherd's Purse Cut & Sifted, Wild Crafted

1/4 Pound: $4.42 Pound: $9.83 100+ Pounds: contact

We offer discounted pricing on orders over 100 pounds. Contact Us

Wholesale Shepherd's purse

Name: Shepherd's purse herb, powder
Brand: Monterey Bay Herb Co.
SKU: 4595
Price: 10.22 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

Capsella bursa-pastoris

plant overview

pocketful of practical uses

Shepherd's purse received its whimsical name because of the triangular or heart-shaped seed pods resemble miniature purses that shepherds were once known to carry their valuables in while tending their flocks on the field. This member of the cabbage family has a long history of use as food in Asia. In Japan, it is among the herbs used to make the traditional rice porridge dish prepared in celebration of Nanakusa no sekku, or the "Festival of Seven Herbs". In Korea, where shepherd’s purse herb is known as naengi, the roots are used to make a traditional dish of mixed vegetables called namul. Shepherd's purse tincture is a common form of the herb, as well as tea, and is used in making cosmetics.

Clicking "learn more" next to each variety will take you to individual product pages for details.

01.
Shepherds purse: A Bit of Botany

a little botanical information on shepherd's purse

description
Capsella bursa-pastoris, or shepherd's purse as it is commonly called, is a small annual plant of the Brassicaceae or mustard family.

The shepherd's purse stem emerges from a rosette of lobed leaves at the plant's base and grows to approximately 1/2 to 1 1/2 feet tall. The plant bears a few pointed leaves which partly grasp the stem.

Shepherd's purse small, white flowers are in loose racemes, and produce heart-shaped seed pods. The seeds contain a substance known as mucilage (a viscous, or gelatinous, polysaccharide solution sometimes found in a plant species roots, seeds and other parts).

common names & nomenclature
The common names containing purse references are due to the seed pod's triangular shape—it roughly approximates a small handbag or pouch.

Also known as:
shepherd’s purse, shepherd's bag, lady's purse. witches' pouches, pick-pocket

02.
Shepherds purse: Where in the World

habitat and range for shepherd's purse

Capsella bursa-pastoris is native to eastern Europe and Asia minor but is naturalized in many parts of the world, especially in colder climates, including Britain, North America and China, also in the Mediterranean and North Africa.

03.
Shepherds purse: Cultivation & Harvesting

considerations for growing and harvesting shepherd's purse

climate
As it is considered to be a common weed in most regions, shepherd’s purse herb grows freely in waste places, gardens, and similar areas in sun to part shade.

soil
The plant can flourish in most soils, however it will seed faster in poor soils than in rich soils.

growing
Sow seeds directly in the garden soil in the late winter to spring (February to May months). However the seed can also be sown as late as mid autumn. This common weed of disturbed ground, shepherd’s purse herb easily maintains itself without assistance.

harvesting
Under cultivation, shepherd’s purse's leaves can grow rather larger than their wild counterparts. The leaves can be harvested in summer or approximately one month after sowing. After the plant's initial harvest, the leaves may be harvested on a continual basis and dried as whole or cut pieces for later use.

preserving
Store dried shepherd's purse herb in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

04.
Shepherds purse: The Rest of the Story

additional information

Shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) is a slender, annual plant belonging to the mustard family (Brassicaceae). It is easily identified by its basal rosette of deeply toothed leaves and its unique, heart-shaped seed pods that resemble the leather pouches once carried by shepherds. Reaching up to 18 inches in height, this hardy plant terminates in clusters of small, four-petaled white flowers.

In culinary traditions, the young leaves of shepherd's purse are appreciated for their distinct peppery flavor and are often prepared similarly to spinach or added to soups and stews. Historically, the plant was a staple in East Asian and European folk traditions, where the aerial parts—including the leaves, flowers, and seed pods—were harvested just as the flowers began to open. These parts were traditionally used in infusions, tinctures, or as a topical wash.

Cultivation of shepherd's purse is straightforward, as it grows readily from seeds in most well-drained soils under full sun. Because it is a prolific self-seeder, it is often found growing wild throughout North America. In botanical practices, the herb is typically used periodically rather than for extended durations. It is often combined with other botanicals, such as green or black tea, to create a balanced herbal infusion.

While shepherd's purse has a long history of traditional use, it is a potent botanical that should be handled with care. It is not intended for use by individuals who are pregnant or nursing, nor by those with a history of cardiovascular concerns. Because certain botanical compounds can interact with the body in various ways, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating shepherd's purse into your routine, particularly if you are taking medications or have underlying health considerations.

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for educational purposes only

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

please be advised: Before making any changes to your diet you should always consult with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have existing conditions.

All reviews solely reflect the views and opinions expressed by the reviewer and not that of Monterey Bay Herb Co. We do not verify or endorse any claims made by any reviewer. None of these statements have been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.