Shepherd’s Purse

Native to Europe and Asia but has naturalized almost all over the world, commonly spotted in meadows and roadsides and easily recognized by the distinctive shape of its seed pods. Was first mentioned by Carl Linnaeus in the Species Planatarum in 1753, and named after the leather bags Medieval shepherds would carry with them. Due to its astringency, it has been used to treat diarrhea, wounds, nosebleeds and excessive menstrual flow. Also useful for hemorrhaging.