Shepherd's purse

Shepherd's Purse is a small annual and ruderal flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae. Its Latin name is Capsella bursa-pastoris. It is native to eastern Europe and Asia minor but is naturalized and considered a common weed in many parts of the world, especially in colder climates, including Britain, North America and China.

Description[edit | edit source]

Shepherd's Purse is identifiable by its small, white flowers and distinctive heart-shaped seed pods. The plant grows from a rosette of lobed leaves at the base. From this rosette, the plant sends up a slender, erect stem which can reach up to 0.5 meters in height. The stem ends in an inflorescence of tiny white flowers. The flowers are followed by the seed pods, which are triangular and flat, resembling a historical leather purse or pouch.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Shepherd's Purse has been used for centuries in herbal medicine. It is known to have astringent, diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used to stop bleeding, and to treat diarrhea and disorders of the urinary system. It is also used in homeopathy.

In cuisine, the leaves, flowers and seeds of Shepherd's Purse can be eaten. The leaves can be used in salads or cooked as a leaf vegetable. The seeds can be ground and used as a mustard substitute.

Cultivation[edit | edit source]

Shepherd's Purse is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of conditions, although it prefers sunny locations and well-drained soil. It is a common weed and can be found in gardens, fields, and at the side of roads.

In Culture[edit | edit source]

Shepherd's Purse is featured in folklore and traditional medicine practices of many cultures worldwide. In China, it is used in traditional Chinese medicine and is known as Ji Cai.