Capsella. Capsella bursa pastoris.

Synonym—Shepherd's Purse.

CONSTITUENTS—

Volatile oil, fixed oil, resin.

PREPARATIONS—

Fluid Extract. Dose, from fifteen to sixty minims.

Tincture. Dose, from one to two drams.

Specific Medicine Capsella. Dose, from five to thirty drops.

Therapy—The agent has been noted for its influence in haematuria and other mild forms of passive hemorrhage. It is of some benefit as a mild diuretic, soothing irritation of the renal or vesical organs. In cases of uncomplicated chronic menorrhagia it has accomplished permanent cures, especially if the discharge be persistent and devoid of much color. The agent is also useful where uric acid or insoluble phosphates or carbonates produce irritation of the urinary tract.

In the treatment of mild forms of intestinal hemorrhage or gastric hemorrhage from simple ulceration, the agent has been used with some benefit, also in atonic dyspepsia, diarrhea, both acute and chronic, and in dysentery and bleeding piles.

Externally the bruised herb has been applied to bruised and strained parts, to rheumatic joints, and where there was ecchymosis or extravasations within or beneath the skin.

Dr. Heinen of Toledo treats non-malignant abdominal tumors in women with better results by adding five drops of capsella three times a day to the other indicated treatment.

The American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy, 1919, was written by Finley Ellingwood, M.D.
It was scanned by Michael Moore for the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine.