SHEPHERD'S PURSE

Capsella bursapasoris: Cruciferae

PLANET: Saturn

TASTE: astringent, bitter	VIPAKA: pungent
WARMTH: cooling	DOSHAS: V+ P- K-

MERIDIANS: liver, stomach, heart, colon

ACTIONS: hemostatic astringent (generally considered one of the best), vulnerary, alterative, diuretic, antiinflammatory, uterine stimulant.

INDICATIONS: vaginal or urinary bleeding, menorrhagia, post-partum hemmorhage, nosebleeds, bleeding wounds, varicose veins and thrombitis

CONSTITUENTS: BURSINIC ACID, fumaric acid, tannin, choline, acetylcholine, tyramine, histamine, polypeptides (these are labile and difficult to analyse), an alkaloid called BURSINE, a sulphurated volatile oil, fixed oil, soft resin 6%, amino alcohols, flavonoids including diosmin luteolin-7-rutinoside and quercitin-3-rutinoside

PREPARATION AND USE:
-tincture, 30 drops, three times daily,
-or, for acute bleeding, hourly until controlled
-infusion, one oz dried herb or two oz fresh, steeped in one pint boiling water: one cup three times daily
-make a poultice of fresh herb for excessive bleeding

USE IN PERSONAL GROWTH:
-invigorates the life-force within
-helps one to recognize and implement talents and abilities that have been hidden
-strengthens will and spiritual tenacity

"I find strength in the things that make me unique, and joy in sharing them with the world."