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SHEPHERD'S PURSE If bound to the wrists, or the soles of the feet, it helps the jaundice. An annual growing to about 18 inches (46 cm) high. It has a small white root, pale-green, deeply cut leaves and very small white flowers. The seed cases are flat and triangular, almost in the shape of a heart. Where to find it: A garden weed. Common on cultivated ground and found near paths.Flowering time: All the year. Astrology: It is under the dominion of Saturn. Medicinal virtues. It helps all fluxes of blood, caused by inward or outward wounds. It is also used where there is flux of the belly and bloody flux, and spitting and voiding of blood. It will stop the terms in women. Made into a poultice, the herb helps inflammation and St Anthony's fire. The juice dropped into the ears, heals the pains, noise and matterings thereof. A good ointment may be made of it for all wounds, especially those of the head. Modern uses: Shepherd's Purse is considered to be one of the best haemostyptic plants and, therefore, indicated for haemorrhages of all kinds both internal and external. Accurate diagnosis is, of course, important before administering this remedy internally. It is given as an infusion, the whole dried herb being used in the ratio of 1 Oz (28 9) to 1 Pt (568 ml) of boiling water. The dose is 2 fl OZ (56 mi). Its astringent properties make it useful to check diarrhoea. An ointment, made by digesting the herb in hot wax and straining, is useful for wounds and contusions. The herb is also diuretic and has been used with success for dropsy. |