Evidence supporting the use of: Shepherd's purse
For the health condition: Bleeding (internal)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly for the treatment of various types of bleeding, including internal bleeding. Its use dates back centuries in European folk medicine, as well as in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it has been employed to help control hemorrhage, heavy menstrual bleeding, postpartum bleeding, and other bleeding disorders. The plant contains several bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and peptides, which are believed to contribute to its astringent and vasoconstrictive effects. These properties may help constrict blood vessels and promote clotting, theoretically reducing bleeding.
However, while there is a robust tradition of its use for these purposes, scientific validation remains limited. Only a few animal and in vitro studies have suggested that extracts of shepherd’s purse may promote blood clotting or have vasoconstrictive activities. Human clinical trials are scarce and of generally low quality. Therefore, while the traditional use is well-established and forms the basis for its continued inclusion in herbal pharmacopeias for bleeding (especially mild or menstrual bleeding), the evidence supporting its effectiveness is still considered preliminary and not definitive. Users should consult healthcare professionals before using shepherd’s purse for internal bleeding, as underlying causes require medical attention.
