Shepherd’s purse is an annual or biennial herb from the mustard family (Brassicaceae), widely distributed throughout Bulgaria and much of Europe. It grows in grasslands, along roadsides, in cultivated fields, gardens, and on disturbed ground, where it often appears as a typical companion species.
The plant develops an upright stem, usually 20 to 50 cm tall, often branched in the upper part. The basal leaves form a rosette and are deeply lobed, while the stem leaves are narrower, arrow-shaped, and stem-clasping. The flowers are small and white, arranged in elongated racemes. The species is best recognized by its flat, triangular heart-shaped seed pods, which resemble a small pouch and give the plant its common name.
Shepherd’s purse is a well-established raw material in traditional European herbal practice and is used in herbal teas, extracts, and specialised botanical formulations.
Basic Information
- Latin name: Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik.
- Part used: aerial parts (Herba Bursae pastoris)
- Origin: Bulgaria
- Raw material type: wild-harvested
- Harvest period: May – August, during flowering and early fruiting
Herb Characteristics
Shepherd’s purse is a vigorous and adaptable plant with a well-developed root system and a fine aerial structure. For herbal use, the stems, leaves, flowers, and young green fruits are collected during the flowering stage.
The raw material is selected carefully, using healthy and well-formed aerial parts only. It is dried in the shade or at controlled temperatures in order to preserve its natural colour, aroma, and overall quality.
Chemical Composition
- biogenic amines
- choline
- acetylcholine
- tyramine
- histamine
- flavonoids
- diosmin
- tannins
- vitamin C
- vitamin K
- organic acids
- saponins
- alkaloid compounds
Its chemical profile supports the herb’s traditional role in botanical formulations intended for vascular support and general physiological balance.
Suitable for the Production of
- herbal teas
- dry extracts
- liquid extracts
- tinctures
- herbal blends
- botanical extracts
- women’s health products
- formulations for vascular and venous support
- topical botanical products
Medicinal Properties and Effects on the Body
Shepherd’s purse is traditionally associated with the following properties:
- astringent action
- support for vascular tone
- use in women’s health formulations
- traditional use in products for venous and capillary support
- antioxidant activity
- application in topical botanical products
In traditional European herbal practice, shepherd’s purse is used in products intended for women’s health, vascular support, and topical application. The herb is valued as an ingredient in specialised herbal blends and extracts with well-defined applications.
Important Notice
Shepherd’s purse is not recommended during pregnancy. Because of its specific chemical profile, the raw material should be used with care and in line with the intended end use of the final product.
Forms Available
Available as:
- whole dried herb (Herba Bursae pastoris)
- crushed herb
- cut herb in custom sizes upon request
- herbal powder
Quality and Documentation
Upon request, the following may be provided:
- Certificate of Analysis (COA)
- technical documentation
- additional documents upon request
Inquiry
Contact us for current availability, samples, and a quotation based on the required quantities, preferred processing form, and raw material specifications.
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