Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe and Asia, for managing various types of bleeding, including heavy menstrual bleeding and dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). Its use for dysmenorrhea is primarily based on its astringent and purported uterotonic effects. Traditionally, shepherd’s purse was believed to help tone uterine muscles and reduce excessive menstrual flow, thereby potentially alleviating pain associated with menstruation. The herb contains compounds such as flavonoids, peptides, and choline, which are thought to contribute to its effects on smooth muscle contraction and hemostasis.

Despite its longstanding traditional use, scientific validation for shepherd’s purse in the treatment of dysmenorrhea is limited. Only a handful of laboratory studies and small clinical trials have investigated its pharmacological actions. Some in vitro studies suggest that extracts of shepherd’s purse can induce uterine contractions and may have mild anti-inflammatory properties, but these findings have not been robustly translated into large-scale human clinical trials for dysmenorrhea specifically. The overall quality and quantity of evidence are low, and most authoritative medical sources do not recommend shepherd’s purse as a first-line treatment for menstrual pain.

In summary, use of shepherd’s purse for dysmenorrhea is justified primarily by tradition rather than strong scientific evidence. Women seeking alternative therapies should consult healthcare professionals before using this herb, especially since its uterotonic properties may not be suitable for all individuals.

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