Shepherd's Purse

Capsella bursa-pastoris

Physical Characteristics

Capsella bursa-pastoris is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower all year, and the seeds ripen all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

A virtually cosmopolitan plant, found in most regions of the world including Britain.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Oil Seed Shoots Edible Uses: Condiment Oil Leaves - raw or cooked[2, 4, 5, 52, 94]. The young leaves, used before the plant comes into flower, make a fine addition to salads[9]. The leaves are a cress and cabbage substitute[12], becoming peppery with age[172]. Leaves are usually available all year round, though they can also be dried for later use[12]. The leaves contain about 2.9% protein, 0.2% fat, 3.4% carbohydrate, 1% ash. They are rich in iron, calcium and vitamin C[179]. A zero moisture basis analysis is available[218]. The young flowering shoots can be eaten raw or cooked[264]. They are rather thin and fiddly but the taste is quite acceptable. They can be available at most times of the year. Seed - raw or cooked[94, 172]. It can be ground into a meal and used in soups etc[102, 183]. It is very fiddly to harvest and utilize, the seed is very small[85]. The seed contains 35% of a fatty oil[179]. This oil can be extracted and is edible[74]. The seedpods can be used as a peppery seasoning for soups and stews[183]. The fresh or dried root is a ginger substitute[85, 172, 183]. Safety & Cautions (Food Use): While entirely edible, shepherd’s purse contains mustard-family glucosinolates that can cause digestive irritation in large quantities, especially raw. Cooking reduces this risk. As with most mustards, individuals with thyroid issues should moderate intake due to potential goitrogenic compounds when eaten in large amounts. Seeds are potent and should be used sparingly. Young taproots have a horseradish-like flavour and can be grated or used as a pungent seasoning, though they toughen quickly. Seeds, available late in the season, provide a sharp, peppery, mustard-like kick and can be used whole, ground, or infused. Because this species is small, collecting quantity requires time, but it remains one of the most consistently high-quality edible mustards [2-3]. Edibility rating: 4.5/5. Taste, Processing & Kitchen Notes: Fresh leaves taste mild to moderately spicy, depending on age and growing conditions. Cooking removes most sharpness, yielding a gentle vegetable flavour suitable for soups, greens mixes, and stir-fries. Leaves are tender and do not require long cooking. Roots must be harvested young; grated roots provide a spicy accent similar to radish or mild horseradish. Seeds fall readily from mature pods and can be used to season dishes or ground into mustard-like pastes. Because the pods dry while still attached, gentle shaking into a container is often the most efficient harvest method. Seasonality (Phenology): Shepherd’s purse can germinate and flower nearly any time of year where moisture is available, though it is most abundant in late winter and spring. Leaves are at their best before flowering begins. Seedpods mature through spring into early summer, depending on local conditions. In cooler climates it persists into autumn; in hotter regions it may complete its life cycle rapidly before summer heat. Harvest & Processing Workflow: For greens, harvest basal leaves before flowering for optimal tenderness. Later, pick upper stem leaves as needed. For roots, pull young rosettes before bolting. For seeds, allow seedpods to dry on the stalks, then shake into a container. Winnow lightly to remove chaff. Seeds can be toasted, ground, or used whole. Look-Alikes & Confusion Risks: The plant is readily distinguished by its heart-shaped seedpods, which are nearly unique within the mustard family. Other small mustards may resemble it as rosettes, but once pods appear, identification is easy. Leaves are variable and should not be relied upon alone for identification. Traditional / Indigenous Use Summary: Shepherd’s purse was historically consumed across Eurasia and used both as a vegetable and medicinal herb. After its arrival in the Americas, many Native American groups quickly adopted it for greens and seed use. In East Asian cuisines, particularly Chinese and Korean, shepherd’s purse remains an important cooked green and filling for dumplings.

Medicinal Uses

Antiscorbutic Astringent Cancer Diuretic Emmenagogue Haemostatic Homeopathy Hypotensive Oxytoxic Stimulant Urinary Vasoconstrictor Vasodilator Vitamin C Vulnerary Shepherd's purse is little used in herbalism, though it is a commonly used domestic remedy, being especially efficacious in the treatment of both internal and external bleeding, diarrhoea etc[4, 222]. A tea made from the whole plant is antiscorbutic, astringent, diuretic, emmenagogue, haemostatic, hypotensive, oxytocic, stimulant, vasoconstrictor, vasodilator and vulnerary[4, 7, 9, 13, 21, 46, 147, 165, 172, 176, 222]. A tea made from the dried herb is considered to be a sovereign remedy against haemorrhages of all kinds - the stomach, the lungs, the uterus and more especially the kidneys[4, 222]. The plant can be used fresh or dried, for drying it is harvested in the summer[9]. The dried herb quickly loses its effectiveness and should not be stored for more than a year[9]. Clinical trials on the effectiveness of this plant as a wound herb have been inconclusive[244]. It appears that either it varies considerably in its effectiveness from batch to batch, or perhaps a white fungus that is often found on the plant contains the medically active properties[244]. The plant has been ranked 7th amongst 250 potential anti-fertility plants in China[218]. It has proven uterine-contracting properties and is traditionally used during childbirth[222]. The plant is a folk remedy for cancer - it contains fumaric acid which has markedly reduced growth and viability of Ehrlich tumour in mice[218]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the fresh plant[4]. It is used in the treatment of nose bleeds and urinary calculus[7]. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd's Purse for nose bleeds, premenstrual syndrome, wounds & burns (see [302] for critics of commission E).

Known Hazards

Signs of toxicity are sedation, pupil enlargement and breathing difficulty. Avoid if on treatments for high blood pressure. Avoid with thyroid gland disorders or heart disease. Possible addictive sedative effects with other depressants (e.g. Alcohol). Avoid during pregnancy [301].