Shepherd's bag: medicinal properties and contraindications

The shepherd’s bag was so unusual named because of the triangular shape of the fruit, which resembles a shepherd’s sack. There are over 25 varieties of this plant and dozens of its popular names. Despite the numerous medicinal properties, the shepherd’s bag has contraindications.

In folk medicine, only the aerial parts of the plant are used - shoots, fruits (green), inflorescences. They accumulate maximum healing power in the spring, when the plant blooms. It is at this time that it is recommended to procure raw materials. Dried grass in the shade, away from sunlight, in a draft. Store raw materials in paper or cloth bags in a dry place. Shelf life should not exceed three years.

Shepherd's bag ordinary

A widespread annual plant belonging to the Crucifer family. It has an erect and branched stem, a little more than half a meter high. Inflorescences are a brush located on top of the stem. Small flowers, consisting of four white petals, can be seen on the plant not only in spring but also in autumn. A distinctive feature of the shepherd’s bag is the heart-shaped fruit. Roots are the only part of the plant that is not used for medicinal purposes.

The shepherd’s bag, the healing properties of which have been known since antiquity, is now widely used by herbalists and traditional healers.

Beneficial features

When making medicinal compositions from a shepherd’s bag, the medicinal properties and contraindications should be taken into account. The healing effects of plants include:

• diuretic;
• anti-inflammatory;
• blood purifying;
• vasodilator;
• astringent;
• wound healing;
• hemostatic.

Chemical composition

The aboveground part of the shepherd’s bag includes:

• vitamins A, C and B2;
• flavonoids;
• resins;
• volatile;
• tannins;
• peptides;
• organic acids;
• macro- and microelements.

Application

Due to the pronounced hemostatic effect, the plant is included in many drug collections. In folk medicine, it is used for various bleeding - pulmonary, renal, intestinal, uterine, with atony of the uterus. Preparations made from this medicinal herb cleanse the body and blood of toxins, thereby facilitating the condition of patients who take oncology medicines.

The anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties of the plant have found application in the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system and kidneys. The shepherd’s bag has proven itself in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. Preparations based on it heal ulcers and erosion, relieve inflammation, relieve constipation.

Many patients note the healing properties of the shepherd’s bag, which allows effective treatment of heart and vascular diseases. The grass normalizes blood pressure, strengthens the heart muscle, is a powerful tool in the prevention of many diseases of heart ailments. Decoctions from this plant help get rid of insomnia, relieve stress and depression. In addition, the shepherd’s bag is used for:

• diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract;
• metabolic disorders;
• atherosclerosis;
• gout and rheumatism;
• cholecystitis;
• dysentery.

Inside, medicinal herbs are used in the form of infusions, decoctions, tinctures, tea. For external use lotions are used for bruises, inflammations, purulent wounds, ulcers.

Use in gynecology: menopause

In case of bleeding and hot flashes, it is necessary to pour a spoon (tablespoon) of crushed dry grass with boiling water (a quarter liter) and let the composition brew for two hours. The medicine is taken in two tablespoons (tablespoons) four times a day half an hour before meals.

Uterine bleeding

Three spoons (tablespoons) of crushed shepherd’s bag, brew a quarter liter of boiling water, cover the container with a lid and let the composition brew for two hours. Infusion is taken 35 ml three times a day.

Hypertension

Fill a liter glass jar with 2/3 dry grass of a shepherd’s ordinary bag. Pour it with high-quality vodka (to the top). Leave the container in a cool, dark place for a month. Shake the tincture periodically. After a month, strain the composition, and take 20 drops, diluted in a tablespoon of water, three times a day before meals.

Urinary incontinence

Put two tablespoons of grass in a thermos and pour 1/2 liter of boiling water. The remedy is infused for about 4 hours. Take the composition of 100 ml three times a day before meals.

Liver and kidney disease

50 grams of crushed shepherd’s bag brew a liter of boiling water. For about an hour, the composition should be infused. After this, it should be filtered, and in the form of heat, take 100 ml three times a day.

Tea and decoction

Pour two tablespoons of grass with a quarter liter of boiling water and leave for 10 minutes. A filtered drink is drunk in 2 cups in the morning and in the evening. Tea from this herb is recommended for older people, as it has the ability to normalize blood pressure and significantly improve heart function.

Pour a glass of boiling water with 15 grams of chopped herbs and place the container for thirty minutes in a water bath. Strained composition take a tablespoon for diseases of the genitourinary system three times a day. Such a decoction is effective for external use - with ulcers, bruises, wounds.

Can grass harm health?

Like most medicinal herbs, a shepherd’s bag has medicinal properties and contraindications. Drugs based on it should not be taken by pregnant women. This is because the plant provokes uterine contractions, which can cause premature birth or miscarriage. Do not take purses during lactation.

However, if bleeding begins after childbirth, the shepherd’s bag will stop him quickly and efficiently. In this case, breast-feeding is stopped for the duration of the treatment, since preparations based on this plant can negatively affect the baby’s development.

It is necessary to express milk regularly to resume breastfeeding after treatment. The chemical elements that make up the plant do not accumulate in the body.

Contraindications apply to patients suffering from hemorrhoids, and patients with low blood coagulation. Do not get involved in self-medication and hypertension. In this case, treatment should not be started without consulting with your doctor, and continue under his supervision.

However, this applies to the treatment of any diseases by the shepherd’s bag - consultation with a specialist is necessary. In addition, it is required to carefully monitor the state of health and begin therapy with minimal portions, gradually increasing them. Between courses, it is recommended to take breaks in treatment.