Shepherd's Purse

Uses

What is shepherd’s purse used for?

Shepherd’s purse is a plant. The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.

Shepherd’s purse is used for:

• Heart and circulatory problems including mild heart failure, low blood pressure, and nervous heart complaints
• Headache
• Vomiting blood
• Blood in the urine
• Diarrhea
• Bladder infections
• Premenstrual problems
• Long periods
• Menstrual cramps

Shepherd’s purse is sometimes applied directly to the skin for nosebleeds, superficial burns, and bleeding skin injuries.

How does it work?

There are not enough studies about how shepherd’s purse works. Please discuss with your herbalist or doctor for more information. However, it is known that shepherd’s purse might decrease bleeding, stimulate muscles, and increase uterine contractions.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before using shepherd’s purse?

Consult with your doctor or pharmacist or herbalist, if:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only take medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.
• You are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription.
• You have allergy with any substances of shepherd’s purse or other medications or other herbs.
• You have any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.
• You have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.

The regulations for an herb are less strict than the regulations for a drug. More studies are needed to determine its safety. The benefits of taking this herb must outweigh the risks before use. Consult with your herbalist or doctor for more information.

How safe is shepherd’s purse?

Shepherd’s purse seems to be safe when taken by mouth or applied to the skin in small amounts.

Special precautions & warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Shepherd’s purse is unsafe when taken by mouth or applied to the skin during pregnancy. It might cause the uterus to contract or start menstruation, resulting in miscarriage.

Not enough is known about the safety of using shepherd’s purse during breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Heart conditions: Shepherd’s purse might interfere with treatment for heart conditions. It’s best to avoid using shepherd’s purse if you have a heart condition.

Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis): Shepherd’s purse contains chemical compounds called oxalates, which can form kidney stones. If you have had kidney stones in the past, it’s best to avoid using shepherd’s purse.

Surgery: Shepherd’s purse can affect the central nervous system. There is a concern that it might slow down the central nervous system’s activity too much when combined with anesthesia and other medications used during and after surgery. Stop using shepherd’s purse at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Thyroid conditions: Shepherd’s purse might interfere with treatment for thyroid conditions. It’s best to avoid using shepherd’s purse if you have a thyroid condition.

Side effects

What kind of side effects may I have from shepherd’s purse?

It can cause drowsiness, changes in blood pressure, thyroid function changes, and heart palpitations. An overdose of shepherd’s purse might cause paralysis, breathing difficulty, and death.

Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about side effects, please consult your herbalist or doctor.

Interactions

What interactions may I have with shepherd’s purse?

Shepherd’s purse may interact with your current medications or medical conditions. Consult with your herbalist or doctor before using.

Products that may interact with shepherd’s purse include:

• Sedative medications (CNS depressants)

Large amounts of shepherd’s purse might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Medications that cause sleepiness are called sedatives. Taking shepherd’s purse along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness.

Some sedative medications include clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), phenobarbital (Donnatal), zolpidem (Ambien), and others.

• Thyroid hormone

The body naturally produces thyroid hormone. Shepherd’s purse might decrease how much thyroid hormone the body produces. Taking shepherd’s purse along with thyroid hormone might decrease the effectiveness of thyroid hormone.

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your herbalist or doctor before using this medication.

What is the usual dose for shepherd’s purse?

The dose for shepherd’s purse may be different for every patient. The dose that you take depends on your age, health, and several other conditions. Herbs are not always safe. Please discuss with your herbalist or doctor for your appropriate dosage.

What form does shepherd’s purse come in?

Shepherd’s purse may be available in the following forms:

• Encapsulated shepherd’s purse extract
• Shepherd’s purse liquid extract
• Shepherd’s purse powder

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.