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Shepherd’s purse is a herb that helps with external or internal bleeding

Shepherd’s purse

Capsella bursa-pastoris Brassicaceae

Shepherd’s purse is used to treat excessive bleeding, including heavy menstrual periods and postpartum haemorrhage. It is a diuretic, astringent, and blood pressure-regulator.

Sustainability Status

Sustainability status

Not currently on risk lists but complete data may be missing on the status of the species. Read more about our sustainability guide.

Key benefits
  • Bleeding conditions
  • Heavy menstrual periods
  • Bladder conditions
  • Postpartum care

  • How does it feel?

    When you make a cup of shepherd’s purse tea the smell is salty, seaweedy, rich and nutritious, like the smell of a savoury vegetable soup. This indicates the rich array of nutritional constituents including vitamins and minerals.  

    The taste is similar, rich in savoury flavour and slightly sweet. It feels hearty and nutritious with a slight pungency but no unpleasant aftertaste. The salty and sweet tastes indicate the nutritious nature of the herb, with a high mineral content which is energising, tonifying and fortifying (1). There is a slight astringency, indicating the flavonoid content, and suggesting this herb will be drying, tonifying and suited to boggy, damp or bleeding conditions (1).  

    It leaves the mouth feeling slightly coated from the volatile oils, with a tackiness as the mucous membranes of the mouth tighten in response to the flavonoids. It moves through the body quickly, and you may feel the blood shifting to the periphery as a warming wave or a slight tightening in the head as the blood flow increases.

  • What can I use it for?

    Shepherd’s purse is an astringent, diuretic and antihaemorrhagic herb, which can be used to stop bleeding internally and externally (2). 

    It is used for its diuretic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions in urinary tract infections (UTIs) such as cystitis. 

    It has great value in female reproductive conditions such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menorrhagia (heavy periods), metrorrhagia (bleeding between periods), postpartum complications and haemorrhage (3,4). 

    Shepherd’s purse will tighten inflamed tissues and reduce excessive secretions, and can be used to reduce diarrhoea, intestinal irritations and infections (2).

    Topically, it is used for nosebleeds, superficial burns, wounds, bruises, and varicose veins (5).

  • Into the heart of shepherd’s purse

    Shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)
    Shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)

    Shepherd’s purse is warm, dry and constricting (5,6). It is warming due to the stimulating action to move blood, suited specifically to bleeding conditions where the blood is stagnant, dark and slowly oozing (7). This contrasts the haemostatic action of a herb like yarrow (Achillea millefolium), which is cooling, and suited to conditions where the blood is red and haemorrhaging (7). 

    Shepherd’s purse is suited to tissue states which are depressed, stagnant and damp. A depressed tissue state requires stimulation to get things moving, such as stimulating the circulation to warm up cold extremities (7). Damp and stagnant tissues occur when there is a build-up of fluids which are not moving and become thick, stagnant and cold (7). Sheperd’s purse stimulates the movement of blood and tones the muscular tissues of the blood vessels, uterus, bladder and intestines to support the organs to return to homeostasis.

    Energetically, shepherd’s purse is indicated for people who give too much of themselves and deplete their vital energy (8). Being exhausted and depleted makes it difficult to generate motivation and momentum, and shepherd’s purse can provide the support needed to set healthy boundaries and make positive changes (8). It is indicated for those who are highly strung, ambitious and tend to do the work of two or three people (7).

  • Traditional uses

    Shepherd's purse plant (Capsella bursa-pastoris)
    Shepherd’s purse plant (Capsella bursa-pastoris)

    Culpeper refers to shepherd’s purse in his Complete Herbal in 1653 as a remedy for “all fluxes of blood caused by inward of outward wounds…bloody urine…spitting blood…and to stop the term’s in women’s” (9). The 1898 King’s American Dispensatory described shepherd’s purse as mildly stimulating, astringent, and diuretic, with the fresh herb being more medicinally active than the dried alternative (10). It was considered very effective as either an infusion or tincture for urinary and renal ailments presenting with haematuria (blood in the urine), frequent urges to urinate, or mineral deposits in the urine (10). It was used for the promotion of flow in cases of amenorrhoea, and as a remedy for chronic menorrhagia, frequent or long menstrual bleeds (10). It was found to be beneficial for bleeding piles, chronic diarrhoea, and dysentery (10).

    The fresh, crushed herb was applied to bruises or muscle strains, rheumatic joints and bleeding haemorrhoids (11). During the first world war, a fluid extract of shepherd’s purse was used to staunch wounds on the battlefield (12). 

    Grieve wrote that shepherd’s purse was considered by herbalists as one of the best remedies for stopping haemorrhages of all kinds: stomach; lungs; uterus or kidneys (12). It was employed for haematuria (blood in the urine), haemorrhoids, chronic diarrhoea, dysentery, uterine haemorrhage and chronic menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeds) (12).

  • Traditional actions

    Herbal actions describe therapeutic changes that occur in the body in response to taking a herb. These actions are used to express how a herb physiologically influences cells, tissues, organs or systems. Clinical observations are traditionally what have defined these actions: an increase in urine output, diuretic; improved wound healing, vulnerary; or a reduction in fever, antipyretic. These descriptors too have become a means to group herbs by their effects on the body — herbs with a nervine action have become the nervines, herbs with a bitter action are the bitters. Recognising herbs as members of these groups provides a preliminary familiarity with their mechanisms from which to then develop an understanding of their affinities and nuance and discern their clinical significance.

    Western actions

  • Traditional energetic actions

    Herbal energetics are the descriptions Herbalists have given to plants, mushrooms, lichens, foods, and some minerals based on the direct experience of how they taste, feel, and work in the body. All traditional health systems use these principles to explain how the environment we live in and absorb, impacts our health. Find out more about traditional energetic actions in our article “An introduction to herbal energetics“.

  • What practitioners say

    Shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)
    Shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)

    The astringent and haemostatic properties of shepherd’s purse extend across many systems of the body, where it can be used to stop bleeding and tighten surface membranes. 

    Female reproductive system

    Shepherd’s purse is one of the best herbs for heavy bleeding during menstruation (6). This has been demonstrated in a recent clinical trial (13). It is very effective for dysfunctional uterine bleeding associated with fibroids (4,14). It is a useful herb to use at menarche and the start of the menstrual journey when the cycle can be erratic with dysfunctional bleeding (15). Equally, it can be effective during menopause when the cycle is unpredictable or with a heavy flow (15). When taken throughout the month it can help to lighten heavy menstrual bleeds, prevent spotting between periods and reduce the flooding associated with menopause and endometriosis (2). Medical herbalist Lucy Jones reports that she uses it as a simple (single herb formula) to be taken during the menstrual bleed in cases of menorrhagia or combined with cramp bark (Viburnum opulus) if there is period pain (8).

    Shepherd’s purse is suited to conditions where the uterine muscle tone is poor and it does not expel the menstrual blood effectively, which can stagnate and form clots (7). As well as toning the muscular walls, it helps to reduce venous blood stagnation and is useful in cases of congestive dysmenorrhea (period pain) and uterine congestion (14). Shepherd’s purse is suited to menstruating women with uterine weakness, fibroids, endometriosis, and profuse bleeding of dark, clotted blood (7). 

    It is an important herb in midwifery to help with the delivery of the placenta and to reduce postpartum bleeding (16). The astringent and toning action can help with organ prolapse, particularly the uterus and bladder (8). 

    Shepherd’s purse will also help with excessive secretions in candidiasis and leukorrhea, combining well with calendula (Calendula officinalis) and white dead nettle (Lamium album). 

    Urinary system

    Shepherd’s purse is a valuable herb for the urinary system, due to its diuretic, astringent and anti-microbial actions. The diuretic action is important to increase the flow of urine through the kidneys and bladder (12). Combined with the antimicrobial action, this diuretic action makes shepherd’s purse a useful herb to use for urinary tract infections (UTIs) such as cystitis, to help treat the infection (5). Shepherd’s purse stimulates the excretion of uric acid, making it useful when there is irritation in the urinary tract from uric acid, urinary gravel and in the treatment of gout (5,12).  It combines well with other stimulating and soothing diuretics such as couch grass (Elymus repens), marshmallow leaf (Althaea officinalis) and corn silk (Zea mays). Shepherd’s purse will also tone the muscular walls of the bladder, indicating its use when the bladder is weak, with difficulty in either holding or fully expelling urine (7). The astringent action is useful if there is haematuria (blood in the urine) accompanying any of the aforementioned conditions. 

    Flowering Shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)
    Flowering Shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)

    Digestive system

    As an astringent, the toning action of this herb is effective in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery and intestinal bleeding (4). It can be taken both internally and externally for the treatment of haemorrhoids (3).

    Cardiovascular system

    Shepherd’s purse is both antihypertensive (decreases blood pressure) and antihyportensive (increases blood pressure), depending on the internal constitutional state of the individual (amphoteric). Where the tissue state is relaxed and flaccid, the mechanism of haemostasis is constriction to the blood vessels, making it  one of the few herbs which will increase blood pressure (6,7). Shepherd’s purse stimulates circulation to the extremities, redistributing the blood around the body, and potentially creating a hypotensive action, especially in those with pre-existing low blood pressure. The diuretic action is also indicated where there is water retention or oedema which can occur in heart failure and other cardiovascular conditions (3). Shepherd’s purse stimulates the circulation and supports the integrity of the venous system, making it a helpful herb for varicose veins (8). 

    External application

    The vulnerary action makes shepherd’s purse a suitable herb to use as a poultice or compress to staunch bleeding and reduce bruising and inflammation (5). It can be used for nosebleeds by inserting a cotton pad soaked in the infusion into the nose (12). 

  • Research

    Shepherd's purse flowers (Capsella bursa-pastoris)
    Shepherd’s purse flowers (Capsella bursa-pastoris)

    Postpartum

    A randomised clinical trial was conducted to determine the effect of shepherd’s purse extract in post-partum haemorrhage in 100 women (16). The participants were randomly assigned to receive 10 sublingual drops of shepherd’s purse extract or a placebo, immediately after placental expulsion. In the first three hours after birth, the reduction in postpartum bleeding was significantly greater (32%) after the shepherd’s purse extract compared with the placebo group (16). 

    Heavy menstruation

    Naafe et al. conducted a randomised clinical trial to determine the effect of shepherd’s purse on heavy menstrual bleeding in 84 women with clinical menorrhagia (13). The women were randomly assigned to receive either shepherd’s purse extract (640 mg twice daily) or a placebo, for seven days during menstruation, for two consecutive menstrual cycles. Menstrual bleeding was measured in the third consecutive cycle, and decreased by 50% in the shepherds purse group compared to a 45% reduction in the placebo group. The decrease in menstrual bleeding was significantly greater in the intervention group. Although the difference between the groups is small, the authors concluded that shepherd’s purse is effective at reducing excessive menstrual bleeding (13). 

  • Did you know?

    The heart-shaped seed pods of shepherd’s purse resemble the leather pouches that mediaeval shepherds used to carry, which is how it got its common name (5).

Additional information

  • Botanical description

    Shepherd’s purse is a small annual plant in the mustard family (Brassicaceae). It grows from a rosette of basal leaves and can reach heights of 10—50 cm (4—20 inches), though it can sometimes be as tall as 70 cm (28 inches) or as short as 2 cm (0.8 inches) (23). The basal leaves are lobed and form a rosette at the base (24). A slender, branched stem rises from the centre of the rosette, bearing a few oblong, arrow shaped leaves clasping the stem, which are either smooth or toothed (5,12). The flowers are small, white, and about 2.5 mm (0.1inches) in diameter, with four petals and six stamens in loose racemes (23). The plant is easily recognisable by the flat, triangular, heart-shaped seed pods (24). It reproduces entirely from seed and can produce several generations each year, flowering and producing seeds almost all year round (23).

  • Common names

    • Shepherd’s bag
    • Shepherd’s scrip
    • Shepherd’s sprout
    • Shepherd’s heart
    • Lady’s purse
    • Witches’ pouches
    • Rattle pouches
    • Case-weed
    • Pick-pocket
    • Blind-weed
    • Salt and pepper
    • Mother’s heart
    • Cocowort

  • Safety

    All parts of shepherd’s purse are safe to consume shepherd’s purse should be avoided during pregnancy due to the emmenagogue and abortifacient actions, and uterine stimulation (17). 

    It should only be consumed when breast-feeding under the guidance of a medical practitioner, due to the glucosinolate constituents which can transfer into the breastmilk and cause adverse effects in newborns (17). You can find qualified medical herbal professionals on our Resources page.

  • Interactions

    There are no known drug interactions.

    Theoretically, shepherd’s purse or isolated constituents have diuretic, cardiac activity and effects on thyroid function (18). Concomitant use may interfere with medications for blood pressure or thyroid dysfunction and should be taken under the guidance of a medical herbalist (19).

  • Contraindications

    Shepherd’s purse contains oxalic acid and should be avoided by those with a history of kidney stones (3).

  • Preparation

    • Infusion
    • Tincture
    • Vinegar
    • Culinary

    The plant is best prepared with fresh plant material, and loses medicinal potency quickly, do not store the dried herb for more than a year to maintain its freshness and vitality (2,8).

  • Dosage

    • Tincture (1:5 | 25%): 1—2 ml, three times a day (3—6 ml per day) (3,6). Up to 20—40 ml/week of a 1:2 extract (20)
    • FE (1:1): 1–4 ml, three times a per day (3)
    • Infusion: One teaspoon (1–5 g) dried herb per cup, 1–3 cups (3–20 g) per day (3,6). For menstrual conditions one cup (1–5 g) every 2–3 hours just before and during the menstrual period (3)
    • Capsules: 1.9 – 2.6 g per day (20)

    Topical use

    • Infusion: Steep 3–5g in 180 ml boiled water for 10–15 minutes, applied to the injured area (21)
    • Fluid extract: 5—8 ml applied to the injured area (21)

  • Plant parts used

    Aerial parts (leaves, stems, flowers and seed pods) (8)

  • Constituents

    • Flavonoids: Quercetin, diosmetin, luteolin, hesperetin, rutin; diosmin; hesperidin (15,17)
    • Glucosinolates: Sinigrin (15,22)
    • Amines: Acetylcholine, choline, tyramine, amino acids 2.33% (proline), histamine (15,17)
    • Saponins (15)
    • Volatile oils (0.02%):  Camphor (17)
    • Other constituents: Carotenoids, fumaric acid, oxalic acid, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), vitamin A, vitamin K, calcium, iron, potassium (8,17,22)
Shepherd's purse illustration (Capsella bursa-pastoris)

  • Habitat

    Shepherd’s purse is native to Europe, Asia and North Africa and has been introduced in the UK, America, Africa and Australia, and is now naturalised globally (25). It is an annual plant which can germinate throughout the year in many conditions from disturbed to nutrient rich habitats (26). It is considered to be a highly successful weed, growing on cultivated land amongst crops, baron landscapes, waysides, embankments, waste ground, and gardens (26, 27).

  • Sustainability

    Sustainability status greenShepherd purse is globally well distributed with a stable population and is currently not at any threat of extinction (25). It does not appear on any endangered species acts or lists for concern (27,28,29,30,31).

    Habitat loss and over-harvesting from the wild are two of the biggest threats faced by medicinal plant species. There are an increasing number of well-known herbal medicines at risk of extinction. We must, therefore, ensure that we source our medicines with sustainability in mind.

    The herb supplement industry is growing at a rapid rate and until recent years a vast majority of medicinal plant produce in global trade was of unknown origin. There are some very real and urgent issues surrounding sustainability in the herb industry. These include environmental factors that affect the medicinal viability of herbs, the safety of the habitats that they are taken from, as well as the welfare of workers in the trade.

    The botanical supply chain efforts for improved visibility (transparency and traceability) into verifiably sustainable production sites around the world is now certificated through the emergence of credible international voluntary sustainability standards (VSS). 

    Read our article on Herbal quality and safety: What to know before you buy and Sustainable sourcing of herbs to learn more about what to look for and questions to ask suppliers about sustainability.

  • Quality control

    Herbal medicines are often very safe to take; however, their safety and efficacy can be jeopardised by quality issues. So, it is important to buy herbal medicines from a reputable supplier, from sources known to test their herbs to ensure there is no contamination, adulteration or substitution with incorrect plant matter, as well as ensuring that recognised marker compounds are at appropriate levels in the herbs.

    Some important quality assurances to look for are certified organic labelling, the correct scientific/botanical name, and the availability of information from the supplier about ingredient origins. A supplier should be able to tell you where the herbs have come from, what contaminants are not in the herb, and what the primary compounds are.

  • How to grow

    Shepherd’s purse is a fast-growing, prolific weed which produces vast quantities of seed throughout the year and self-seeds freely (23).

  • Recipe

    Shepherd's purse tea (Capsella bursa-pastoris)
    Shepherd’s purse tea (Capsella bursa-pastoris)

    Heavy flow tea

    Ingredients

    • Shepherd’s purse (15 g)
    • Raspberry leaf (10 g)
    • Lady’s mantle (10 g)
    • Nettle leaf (10 g)
    • Yarrow (5 g)

    Method

    • Mix the dried herbs together to store in an airtight container.
    • Using 5 g (one teaspoon) per one cup, add the herbs to a teapot, cover in boiling water and let it steep for 10–15 minutes.
    • Drink between one and three cups per day. This can be increased to every few hours during a heavy menstrual bleed. 

  • References

    1. Maier K. Energetic Herbalism: A Guide to Sacred Plant Traditions Integrating Elements of Vitalism, Ayurveda, and Chinese Medicine. Chelsea Green Publishing; 2021.
    2. Chown V and Walker K. The Handmade Apothecary: Healing Herbal Remedies. Kyle Books; 2017.
    3. Hoffmann D. Medicinal Herbalism, The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Healing Arts Press; 2003.
    4. McIntyre A, and Boudin M. Dispensing with Tradition: A Practitioner’s Guide to Using Indian and Western Herbs the Ayurvedic Way. Anne McIntyre & Michelle Boudin; 2012.
    5. Mars, B. The Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine. Basic Health Publications Inc; 2007.
    6. Easley T, Horne S. The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide. North Atlantic Books; 2016.
    7. Wood M. The Earthwise Herbal Volume 1: A Complete Guide to New World Medicinal Plants. North Atlantic Books; 2008. 
    8. Jones, L. A Working Herbal Dispensary: respecting herbs as individuals. Aeon; 2023. 
    9. Culpeper, N. Culpepers’ Complete Herbal: a book of natural remedies for ancient ills [1653]. Wordworth Reference; 1995. 
    10. Felter HW, and  Lloyd JU. Kings American Dispensary 18th Edit; 1898. Reprinted on Henritttas Herbpages. Accessed August 17, 2024. https://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/kings/capsella.html
    11. Ellingwood, F. The American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy; 1919. Reprinted on Henritttas Herbpages. Accessed August 17, 2024. https://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/ellingwood/capsella.html 
    12. Grieve M, Leyel CF, Marshall M. A Modern Herbal. the Medicinal, Culinary, Cosmetic and Economic Properties, Cultivation and Folk-Lore of Herbs, Grasses, Fungi, Shrubs & Trees with All Their Modern Scientific Uses. Dover Publications; 1982. 
    13. Naafe M, Kariman N, Keshavarz Z, Khademi N, Mojab F, Mohammadbeigi A. Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extracts of Capsella Bursa-Pastoris on Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Altern Complement Med. 2018;24(7):694-700. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2017.0267 
    14. Reilly, M. Herbal Medicine and Reproductive Health. Aeon; 2021.
    15. Thomsen M. The Phytotherapy Desk Reference: 6th Edition. 6th ed. Aeon Books; 2022. 
    16. Ghalandari S, Kariman N, Sheikhan Z, Mojab F, Mirzaei M, Shahrahmani H. Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Capsella bursa pastoris on Early Postpartum Haemorrhage: A Clinical Trial Study. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2017;23(10):794-799. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2017.0095 
    17. Brinker, FJ. Herbal Contraindications & Drug Interactions: Plus Herbal Adjuncts with Medicines. Eclectic Medical Publications, 2010.
    18. Barnes, J., Anderson, L.A. and Phillipson, J.D. Herbal medicines: a guide for healthcare professionals: Third Edition. Pharmaceutical press; 2007.
    19. Natural Medicines Professional Database. Therapeutic Research Centre. Shepherd’s Purse Professional Monograph. Published Nov 16, 2023. Accessed August 19, 2024. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/ 
    20. Bone K. The Ultimate Herbal Compendium: a desktop guide for herbal therapists. Phytotherapy Press; 2007.
    21. Blumenthal M, Busse WR. Shepherd’s Purse. In: The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council; 1999. Accessed August 19, 2024. https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/expanded-commission-e-monographs/shepherds-purse/ 
    22. Fisher C. Materia Medica of Western Herbs. Aeon Books; 2018. 
    23. Royal Horticultural Society. Capsella bursa-pastoris: shepherd’s purse. Accessed August 17, 2024. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/105534/capsella-bursa-pastoris/details 
    24. Blamey M, Fitter R, Fitter AH. Wild Flowers of Britain and Ireland: 2Nd Edition. A & C Black; 2013.
    25. Royal Botanical Gardens Kew (RBGK). Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik. Plants of the Word Online (POWO). Accessed August 8, 2024. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30092589-2
    26. Pearman, DA, Stroh, PA, Humphrey, TA, Burkmar, RJ, Pescott, OL, Roy, DB, & Walker, KJ. Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik. BSBI Online Plant Atlas Published 2020. Accessed August 17, 2024. https://plantatlas2020.org/atlas/2cd4p9h.yes  
    27. IUCN red list of threatened species: Shepherd’s purse: Capsella burse-pastoris. IUCN. June 10, 2012. Accessed August 17, 2024. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/202946/2758177
    28. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Accessed August 17, 2024. https://checklist.cites.org/#/en 
    29. NatureServe explorer 2.0. Natureserve.org. Accessed August 17, 2024. https://explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.155221/Capsella_bursa-pastoris 
    30. UpS list of herbs & analogs. United Plant Savers. Published May 14, 2021. Accessed August 17, 2024. https://unitedplantsavers.org/ups-list-of-herbs-analogs/ 
    31. Cheffings C, Farrell L, Dines T et al. The Vascular Plant Red Data List for Great Britain. Species Status No. 7. JNCC. Published 2005. Accessed August 17, 2024. https://hub.jncc.gov.uk/assets/cc1e96f8-b105-4dd0-bd87-4a4f60449907

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Aromatic
An ‘aromatic’ remedy, high in volatile essential oils, was most often associated with calming and sometimes ‘warming’ the digestion. Most kitchen spices and herbs have this quality: they were used both as flavouring and to ease the digestion of sometimes challenging pre-industrial foods. Many aromatics are classed as ‘carminatives’ and are used to reduce colic, bloating and agitated digestion. They also often feature in respiratory remedies for colds, chest and other airway infections. They are also classic calming inhalants and massage oils, and are the basis of aromatherapy for their mental benefits.
Astringent
The astringent taste you get with many plants (the most familiar is black tea after being stewed too long, or some red wines) is produced by complex polyphenols such as tannins. Tannins are used in concentrated form (eg from oak bark) to make leather from animal skins. The process of ‘tanning’ involves the coagulation of relatively fluid proteins in living tissues into tight clotted fibres (similar to the process of boiling an egg). Tannins in effect turn exposed surfaces on the body into leather. In the case of the lining of mouth and upper digestive tract this is only temporary as new mucosa are replenished, but in the meantime can calm inflamed or irritated surfaces. In the case of open wounds tannins can be a life-saver – when strong (as in the bark of broadleaved trees) they can seal a damaged surface. One group of tannins, the reddish-brown ‘condensed tannins’ are procyanidins, which can reduce inflammation and oxidative damage.
Bitter
Bitters are a very complex group of phytochemicals that stimulate the bitter receptors in the mouth. They were some of the most valuable remedies in ancient medicine. They were experienced as stimulating appetite and switching on a wide range of key digestive functions, including increasing bile clearance from the liver (as bile is a key factor in bowel health this can be translated into improving bowel functions and the microbiome). Many of these reputations are being supported by new research on the role of bitter receptors in the mouth and elsewhere round the body. Bitters were also seen as ‘cooling’ reducing the intensity of some fevers and inflammatory diseases.
Cooling
Traditional ‘cold’ or cooling’ remedies often contain bitter phytonutrients such a iridoids (gentian), sesiquterpenes (chamomile), anthraquinones (rhubarb root), mucilages (marshmallow), some alkaloids and flavonoids. They tend to influence the digestive system, liver and kidneys. Cooling herbs do just that; they diffuse, drain and clear heat from areas of inflammation, redness and irritation. Sweet, bitter and astringent herbs tend to be cooling.
Hot
Traditional ‘hot’ or ‘heating’ remedies, often containing spice ingredients like capsaicin, the gingerols (ginger), piperine (black or long pepper), curcumin (turmeric) or the sulfurous isothiocyanates from mustard, horseradich or wasabi, generate warmth when taken. In modern times this might translate as thermogenic and circulatory stimulant effects. There is evidence of improved tissue blood flow with such remedies: this would lead to a reduction in build-up of metabolites and tissue damage. Heating remedies were used to counter the impact of cold, reducing any symptoms made worse in the cold. .
Mucilaginous
Mucilages are complex carbohydrate based plant constituents with a slimy or ‘unctuous’ feel especially when chewed or macerated in water. Their effect is due simply to their physical coating exposed surfaces. From prehistory they were most often used as wound remedies for their soothing and healing effects on damaged tissues. Nowadays they are used more for these effects on the digestive lining, from the throat to the stomach, where they can relieve irritation and inflammation such as pharyngitis and gastritis. Some of the prominent mucilaginous remedies like slippery elm, aloe vera and the seaweeds can be used as physical buffers to reduce the harm and pain caused by reflux of excess stomach acid. Mucilages are also widely used to reduce dry coughing. Here the effect seems to be by reflex through embryonic nerve connections: reduced signals from the upper digestive wall appear to translate as reduced activity of airway muscles and increased activity of airway mucus cells. Some seed mucilages, such as in psyllium seed, flaxseed (linseed) or guar bean survive digestion to provide bulking laxative effects in the bowel. These can also reduce rate of absorption of sugar and cholesterol. .
Pungent
The pungent flavour refers to the powerful taste of hot spices including mustard (Brassica spp.), ginger (Zingiber officinale), horseradish (Amoracia rusticana), chilli (Capsicum spp.), and garlic (Allium sativum). These herbs act to enliven and invigorate the senses, and they often also have heating qualities. Unlike other tastes, the effect is not linked to a specific receptor on the tongue and instead acts through direct irritation of tissues and nerve endings. Energetically, pungent herbs are known to disperse energy (qi) throughout the body. Pharmacologically, pungent herbs dry excess moisture and mucus, as well as stimulate digestion and metabolism.
Resinous
Resins are most familiar as tacky discharges from pine trees (and as the substance in amber, and rosin for violin bows). They were most valued however as the basis of ancient commodities like frankincense and myrrh (two of the three gifts of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus) and getting access to their source was one benefit to Solomon for marrying the Queen of Sheba (now Ethiopia). Resins were the original antiseptic remedies, ground and applied as powders or pastes to wounds or inflamed tissues, and were also used for mummification. With alcohol distillation it was found that they could be dissolved in 90% alcohol and in this form they remain a most powerful mouthwash and gargle, for infected sore throats and gum disease. They never attracted much early research interest because they permanently coat expensive glassware! For use in the mouth, gums and throat hey are best combined with concentrated licorice extracts to keep the resins in suspension and add extra soothing properties. It appears that they work both as local antiseptics and by stimulating white blood cell activity under the mucosal surface. They feel extremely effective!
Salty
The salty flavour is immediately distinctive. A grain dropped onto the tongue is instantly moistening and a sprinkle on food enkindles digestion. This easily recognisable flavour has its receptors right at the front of the tongue. The salty flavor creates moisture and heat, a sinking and heavy effect which is very grounding for the nervous system and encourages stability. People who are solid and reliable become known as ‘the salt of the earth'.
Sharpness
The sharp taste of some fruits, and almost all unripe fruits, as well as vinegar and fermented foods, is produced by weak acids (the taste is generated by H+ ions from acids stimulating the sour taste buds). Sour taste buds are hard-wired to generate immediate reflex responses elsewhere in the body. Anyone who likes the refreshing taste of lemon or other citrus in the morning will know that one reflex effect is increased saliva production. Other effects are subjective rather than confirmed by research but there is a consistent view that they include increased digestive activity and contraction of the gallbladder.
Sour
The sour taste occurs because of the stimulation of hydrogen ions which trigger the sour taste receptors on the tongue. The more acidic a substance, the more hydrogen ions will be released. The sour taste comes from acidic substances including citrus, fermented foods, tannins, and vinegars. Sour foods and herbs absorb excess moisture, whilst also increasing the production of saliva. Energetically, sour substances tonify the lungs, playing a role in disease prevention. Excessive use, however, can result in malabsorption of nutrients. Examples of sour herbs include, rosehips (Rosa canina), raspberry (Rubus idaeus), rhubarb (Rheum palmatum), schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba).
Sweet
In the days when most people never tasted sugar, ‘sweetness’ was associated with the taste of basic foods: that of cooked vegetables, cereals and meat. In other words sweet was the quality of nourishment, and ‘tonic’ remedies. Describing a remedy as sweet generally led to that remedy being used in convalescence or recovery from illness. Interestingly, the plant constituents most often found in classic tonics like licorice, ginseng are plant steroids including saponins, which also have a sweet taste.
Umami
The umami taste was originally discovered in 1985 in Japan and is directly translated from the Japanese as a ‘pleasant savoury taste’. It is referred to as the ‘fifth taste’ and is a salty, rich, and meaty flavour. The umami flavour is produced by amino acids (glutamic acid and aspartic acid) found in many food and plant sources including tomatoes, mushrooms, seaweeds and soy-based foods. Umami foods can improve nutritional absorption and digestion as there are also umami receptors in the gut as well as the mouth. Examples of umami herbs include green tea (Camellia sinensis), reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), nettle (Urtica dioica), cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis), shitake (Lentinula edodes) and bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus).

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