Jamaican Shepherds Purse Herb
Inconspicuous Herb With Tons of Benefits

Jamaican Shepherds Purse Herb

by Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer

After discovering that this plant has medicinal benefits, I will never look at any plant as just “bush” ever again. Plus, I heard keeping it in my pockets may attract money to me; It might become my new favourite herb. I am talking about the popular but overlooked Shepherd’s Purse.

What is Shepherd’s Purse?

Shepherd’s purse, scientifically known as Capsella bursa-pastoris, is a flowering plant that belongs to the mustard family. You might have seen it growing all over both here in Jamaica and the world – it's that inconspicuous plant with small white flowers, often hanging out on roadsides or in fields.

Its name comes from the small triangular fruits that resemble a purse, and it goes by various monikers like blind weed, cocowort, lady’s purse, and even witch’s pouch.

Shepherd’s purse is not just a roadside “decor” though; it has found its way into supplements and traditional medicine. People use its stems, leaves, and flowers for various purposes, from aiding wound healing to addressing bleeding conditions like menstrual disorders and heart-related issues.

However, it's crucial to note that despite these uses, there's limited concrete evidence supporting these claims, as is with most herbs if we are being completely honest.

Traditional and Medicinal Uses:

It may not be popular in Jamaica, but people have been tapping into the potential of Shepherd's purse for centuries. One area where Shepherd's purse shows some promise is in treating excessive bleeding. There's a study suggesting it might help with postpartum haemorrhage, reducing bleeding more than oxytocin alone.

Similarly, for menstrual bleeding, it could aid in reducing the flow when combined with other substances. Angella, who was recently interviewed by Wellesley, went into more detail on this and many more befits of the plant.

On the medicinal front, some studies suggest that Shepherd's purse might have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some traditional healers even use it for digestive troubles and as a mild diuretic.

It is also used for treating fever, constipation and even ringing/noise in the ears! I can’t stress how amazed I truly am, because this is just a roadside plant that I brush aside every day. Can you imagine? We are walking past and stomping on the very herbs that could heal us daily.

Side Effects and Precautions:

Now, let's talk about the unfavourable aspects of this plant. Like any herb, Shepherd's purse comes with its set of potential side effects. Animal studies hint at things like drowsiness, shortness of breath, pupil enlargement, and heart palpitations but, keep in mind that these are not proven in humans.

Dosage-wise, there's a lack of concrete evidence, so it's always smart to stick to the recommended dose on your supplement packaging. And if you're thinking of trying your hand at making a Shepherd's purse tincture or tea, follow the steps mentioned while being mindful of your alcohol sensitivity or preferences.

The overdose potential is there, but it's rare and mostly noted in animals. It's theoretically possible for humans to overdose, but it's quite unlikely, especially if you're using it as recommended.

If you're on blood thinners, have circulatory issues, thyroid problems, or kidney stones, Shepherd's Purse might not be your best friend. And steer clear of it if you have kidney disease – the oxalates in it could worsen the condition.

Like most herbs, there are several ways to take shepherd's purse, you can steep the leaves in hot water to make tea, or you can get it in its dried powdered form, which is said to be even more potent.

That’s pretty much it on Shepherds Purse for now, but in case I missed anything, click the video below to watch Wellesley’s interview with Angella. You’ll be able to take a look at the actual plant, and I am pretty sure you will recognize it.

Watch Video! This Plant ATTRACTS Money to you (they say) - But it does WAY more for your health

Angella shares some of her extensive knowledge about it and even some testimonials and Wellesley answers some popularly asked questions about the plant.

After that, grab yourself a copy of our E-book, 101 Jamaican Wellness Secrets, I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised and running to put some of these tips to use immediately.

Sharing IS Caring! Please help me get the message out by sharing this article with your friends on social media (links below). Thnx ;-)

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Return to Jamaican Herbs from Jamaican Shepherds Purse Herb
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References & Sources For Jamaican Shepherds Purse Herb

1. Shoemaker, S. (2020) Shepherd’s purse: Benefits, dosage, side effects, and more, Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/shepherds-purse#overdose (Accessed: 03 February 2024).

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