Shepherd's Purse

BURSAE PASTORIS HERBA, called Capsella bursa pastoris Moench. or Thlapsi bursae pastoris Linn, and known to us as shepherd's purse, shepherd's wallet, or cuckoo flower, is a weed found everywhere. B. r. p. belongs to the mustard family (Cruciferae), from the Lepidineae group. The fresh and dried herb with white flowers is used. Its active principle (according to Bombelon) is a glycosidic acid (Acidum bursicum); it also contains allyl oil and about 28% fatty oil. The pharmacological action of B. r. p. is expressed in fairly energetic contractions of the uterus, while the peripheral vessels of warm-blooded animals under the influence of B. r. p. expand insignificantly. In folk medicine, B. r. p. has long been used for female bleeding, hemorrhoids, and diseases of the bladder. At present, it is used exclusively for uterine bleeding in the same cases as Extr. Hydr. canadensis. Preparations of B. p. h.: Extr. bursae pastoris fluidum, prepared from dried herb; dose - up to 15.0 per day. T-ra bursae pastoris - up to 30.0 per day. T-ra Bursae pastoris Rademacheri, prepared from fresh herb, 15-30 drops, 4-6 times a day. Ung. Bursae pastoris Rademacheri consists of 1 part fresh juice and 2 parts lard. Patented preparations: Bursastypton - tablets; Bur-eol - represent Extr. Bursae pastoris dialysatum; Bursal - dry extract of Bursae pastoris.