Latin Name: Capsella bursa-pastoris
Family: Crucifereae
Height: 10-20cm
An excellent astringent herb which guinea pigs normally ignore unless they have diarrhoea in which case they eat it readilly, seeming to recognise its properties. A safe food for rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas.
Shepherd’s Purse is a useful first aid measure to help prevent excessive post-partum bleeding although if there is any doubt about an animal’s condition veterinary help should be sought immediately.
Shepherds Purse has a good Ca:P ratio.
Constituents: Tyramine, choline, acetylcholine, tannin, essential oil, resin, saponins, flavanoids, polypeptides, fumaric and bursic acids, glucosinolates, diosmine, potassium.
Actions: Uterine stimulant, diuretic, astringent.
