Shepherd's Purse
A traditional bleeding herb with two small Iranian randomized trials behind it. The direction is encouraging but the evidence base is far too thin to call it established.
Where to buy
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What the science says
- Heavy menstrual bleeding Limited evidence
A single randomized clinical trial in women with heavy menstrual bleeding reported that a hydroalcoholic Capsella bursa-pastoris extract reduced menstrual blood loss compared with control. One trial in one country is not enough to establish an effect.
- Early postpartum blood loss Limited evidence
A separate small clinical trial tested the same extract for early postpartum hemorrhage and reported reduced bleeding. It has not been replicated outside this research group.
Dosage & safety
How to take it
Interactions
With medications
- warfarin and other anticoagulants
Its vitamin K content can oppose warfarin, and the herb has its own effects on clotting. do not use without medical supervision
- levothyroxine and thyroid medication
Traditional reports describe effects on thyroid function that could interfere with dose control. talk to your doctor before combining
Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.
Frequently asked questions
Does shepherd's purse help heavy periods?
The evidence is limited: a single randomized trial in women with heavy menstrual bleeding found a Capsella bursa-pastoris extract reduced blood loss compared with control. One trial in one country is not enough to establish that shepherd's purse works.
How much shepherd's purse should I take?
Trials used a hydroalcoholic extract roughly equivalent to 1 g of dried shepherd's purse every 8 hours on bleeding days only. Commercial tinctures and teas are not standardised to that trial material.
Is shepherd's purse safe with blood thinners?
No: shepherd's purse contains vitamin K that can oppose warfarin and has its own effects on clotting, so do not use it with anticoagulants without medical supervision. It may also interfere with thyroid medication and must be avoided in pregnancy because it can stimulate the uterus.
When should heavy periods be checked instead of treated with herbs?
Bleeding heavy enough to soak through protection hourly, or to cause anaemia, needs medical investigation rather than shepherd's purse or any other herb.
Scientific references
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