Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine for the management of menstrual irregularity, particularly excessive menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) and intermenstrual bleeding. In European and Asian folk medicine, shepherd's purse has been used as a uterine tonic and astringent. The herb is believed to exert its effects by promoting uterine contractions and constricting blood vessels, thereby reducing bleeding. Historical texts and ethnobotanical records consistently mention its use for gynecological issues, especially to manage menstrual flow and postpartum hemorrhage.

However, scientific validation for these uses is limited. There are a few in vitro studies and animal experiments suggesting that certain compounds in shepherd's purse (such as flavonoids and peptides) may have vasoconstrictive and coagulant properties. Small human studies and case reports exist, but they generally suffer from methodological limitations, such as lack of controls or small sample sizes. Major clinical trials are lacking, and systematic reviews typically conclude that more rigorous research is needed to confirm efficacy and safety.

Despite the limited scientific evidence, the extensive traditional use of shepherd's purse for menstrual irregularities has led to its inclusion in various herbal remedies. Caution is advised, as the herb can interact with other medications and may not be appropriate for everyone. In summary, its use is primarily justified by tradition, with modest supporting evidence from preliminary scientific studies.

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