Shepherd's purse is a foul-smelling annual that reaches 18 inches. Its
slender stem rises from a rosette of deeply toothed leaves similar to
dandelion. The stem bears a few small leaves and terminates in small white
flowers. The fruits are wedge-shaped seed pods, containing literally
thousands of yellow seeds, hence the herb's names.
Shepherd's purse grows easily from seeds planted in spring under full sun.
It prefers well-drained sandy loam but tolerates most North American soils.
If unchecked, it can become a garden lawn pest. To avoid this, clip the seed
pods before they open.
The young leaves have a peppery taste and may be added to soups and stews or
eaten like spinach. Harvest the leaves and flower tops as the flowers open.
For otherwise healthy non-pregnant, non-nursing adults who have no history
of heart attack, stroke, or thromboembolism, shepherd's purse is considered
relatively safe in amounts typically recommended.
Shepherd's purse should be used in medicinal amounts only consultation with
your doctor. If shepherd's purse causes minor discomforts, such as stomach
upset or diarrhea, use less or stop using it. Let your doctor know if you
experience any unpleasant effects or if the symptoms for which the herb is
being used do not improve significantly in two weeks.
Formulas & recipes
Shepherd’s purse uses
Shepherd’s purse herb is mostly used for topical purposes, though it is still consumed as tea occasionally. Drinking shepherd’s purse tea can improve gut health and help with digestion. If drinking shepherd’s purse tea causes stomach pains, consult your doctor.
Shepherd’s purse tea recipe
-Mix one teaspoon of the herb with green or black tea
-Put the tea blend into a tea bag
-Pour boiled water over the tea blend
-Let steep for 7-8 minutes
-Enjoy with honey
Health benefits
This herb contains many anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties making the shepherd’s purse benefits a long list. The herb helps people struggling with diarrhea and is said to help with internal bleeding and other intestinal problems. Shepherd’s purse herb should be ingested periodically, never for long periods of time.