Shepherd’s purse is an annual or biennial herb that can vary from 15-50 cm in height depending on the growing conditions and location.. Leaves are up to 10 cm long, toothed, green and rough. The flowers are white on top of the stems, 2-4 mm across. The herb is widespread in temperate zones common on gravelly, sandy and nitrogen-rich soils

Shepherd’s Purse is difficult to identify by its leaves alone, as they are variable and resemble a number of other plants. However, the flowering stems bear the distinctive small, flat, heart-shaped pods, looking like old-fashioned purses, make identification easy. The plant is widespread in temperate zones common on gravelly, sandy and nitrogen-rich soils.

This is another invaluable herb which is often described as a weed. It has strong astringent and antiseptic powers. Its special use is as emergency first-aid where there is heavy bleeding. It was used to check hemorrhages and bleeding from deep wounds, especially bleeding from the nose and the lungs. It is also a remedy for diarrhea, dysentery and ear ailments.

Make a strong Standard brew, using a heaped dessert spoon of the herb to every cupful of water. Take two tablespoons three times daily. For ear treatment a few drops of the warmed brew is dropped into both ears, and gently massage the base of the ears.