Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Shepherd's Purse vs Raspberry Leaf
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Shepherd's Purse and Raspberry Leaf: they share 5 indicated uses (diarrhoea, menstrual cramps, pms / premenstrual syndrome, …); 2 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Shepherd's Purse | Raspberry Leaf | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diarrhoea | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Raspberry Leaf |
| Menstrual cramps | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Raspberry Leaf |
| PMS / premenstrual syndrome | 1/10 | 7/10 | Stronger for Raspberry Leaf |
| Skin irritation | 1/10 | 6/10 | Stronger for Raspberry Leaf |
| Wounds | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Raspberry Leaf |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Pharmacological Actions
Tones the uterus and eases menstrual flow and cramps (traditional)
Astringent / styptic for minor wounds (helps stop bleeding, topical); Haemostatic / styptic - reduces heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia); also used for nosebleeds and postpartum bleeding. In a randomized clinical trial, Capsella bursa-pastoris added to mefenamic acid reduced menstrual blood loss significantly more than mefenamic acid alone
Astringent for mild diarrhoea (tannins)
Astringent for menstrual cramps (traditional); Astringent for mild diarrhoea (tannins)
Traditional uterine tonic taken in late pregnancy to tone the uterus and support labour - one small double-blind RCT found a shorter second stage of labour and fewer forceps deliveries (no effect on the first stage), alongside observational signals; robust proof is still lacking
Traditional & Indicated Uses
Haemostatic / styptic - reduces heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia); also used for nosebleeds and postpartum bleeding. In a randomized clinical trial, Capsella bursa-pastoris added to mefenamic acid reduced menstrual blood loss significantly more than mefenamic acid alone
Tones the uterus and eases menstrual flow and cramps (traditional)
inferred from emmenagogue action
inferred from astringent action
Astringent / styptic for minor wounds (helps stop bleeding, topical)
Astringent for menstrual cramps (traditional)
inferred from emmenagogue action
inferred from astringent action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Avoid during pregnancy (it stimulates the uterus). Any heavy or abnormal bleeding needs medical evaluation to identify the cause - do not self-treat without assessment.
May affect blood pressure and heart rhythm, so use caution with cardiac, blood-pressure, anticoagulant, thyroid and sedative medicines.
External Ids
Botanical Description
Small, variable annual or biennial herb with a basal rosette of deeply toothed, dandelion-like leaves and a slender, upright, sparsely branched flowering stem bearing tiny stalked white flowers. As the flowers fade, they give way to distinctive small, flattened, heart- or purse-shaped seed pods, the origin of the common name.[10]
Deciduous, thicket-forming shrub (Rosaceae), 1-2 m tall, with upright, prickly, biennial canes (vegetative in the first year, fruiting in the second). Leaves are pinnate with 3-7 toothed leaflets, whitish-felted beneath. Small white, five-petalled flowers are followed by the aggregate red raspberry fruit, a cluster of drupelets.[2]
Habitat
A common weed of cultivated ground, gardens, roadsides, waste places and lawns worldwide; native to Europe and Asia and now naturalised on every inhabited continent.[10]
Native to Europe and northern Asia, widely cultivated as a fruit crop and naturalised on woodland edges, hedgerows and disturbed ground in temperate regions.[2]
Harvesting
The whole flowering plant is cut just as it comes into flower and while the seed pods are still forming, then dried quickly, since the fresh or freshly dried herb is considered most active for its haemostatic effect.[10]
Leaves are picked fresh during the growing season - before or during flowering is considered optimal - and dried; fruit is picked when fully ripe in summer.[2]
Traditional Uses
Shepherd's purse has a long folk reputation as a styptic and haemostatic herb, traditionally used to stop bleeding - from minor wounds, nosebleeds, heavy menstrual bleeding and postpartum bleeding - and as a uterine tonic to ease menstrual flow and cramps.[10]
Raspberry leaf has a long, very widely known folk tradition as a 'pregnancy tea', taken in the final weeks of pregnancy as a uterine tonic to prepare for labour. Observational studies and a small randomised controlled trial suggest a possible modest effect on labour duration, though robust proof is still lacking.[1, 13]
Preparations
Dosage
The EU herbal monograph gives 1-5 g of the comminuted herb as a single dose for tea preparation, 2-4 times daily (daily dose 3-20 g), in adults. For heavy menstrual bleeding the monograph directs that use be started 3-5 days before menstruation and continued during the bleeding. Not recommended under 18 years. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
The EU herbal monograph gives 1-4 mL as a single dose, three times daily (daily dose 3-12 mL), in adults, on the same pre-menstrual timing as the tea. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Popular guidance and observational studies generally describe starting raspberry-leaf tea or tablets in the last few weeks of pregnancy, at roughly 1-3 cups of tea daily; use should be discussed with a midwife or doctor given the lack of robust trial evidence. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Lookalikes Review
References & Sources
- Wei, Z.Z., Zhou, T.Q., Xia, Z.M., Liu, S.F. et al (2022) 'Four organosulfur compounds from the seeds of Capsella bursa-pastoris and their anti-inflammatory activities', Natural Product Research, 37(16), pp. 2688-2696. doi:10.1080/14786419.2022.2130307 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2022.2130307 - Jeong, Y., Lee, S.H., Lee, J., Kim, M.S. et al (2023) 'Water Extract of Capsella bursa-pastoris Mitigates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity by Upregulating Antioxidant Enzymes', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(21), pp. 15912. doi:10.3390/ijms242115912 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242115912 - Zhou, T.Q., Wei, Z.Z., Zhang, J.R., Dong, J.H. et al (2023) 'Phytochemical Constituents from the Seeds of Capsella bursa-pastoris and Their Antioxidant Activities', Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 78(4), pp. 776-782. doi:10.1007/s11130-023-01097-z Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11130-023-01097-z - Lukaszyk, A., Kwiecien, I. and Szopa, A (2024) 'Traditional Uses, Bioactive Compounds, and New Findings on Pharmacological, Nutritional, Cosmetic and Biotechnology Utility of Capsella bursa-pastoris', Nutrients, 16(24), pp. 4390. doi:10.3390/nu16244390 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16244390 - Apaydin Yildirim, B., Aydin, T., Kordali, S., Yildirim, S., Cakir, A. and Yildirim, F (2020) 'Antihemorrhoidal activity of organic acids of Capsella bursa-pastoris on croton oil-induced hemorrhoid in rats', Journal of Food Biochemistry, 44(9), pp. e13343. doi:10.1111/jfbc.13343 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1111/jfbc.13343 - Cha, J.M., Suh, W.S., Lee, T.H., Subedi, L., Kim, S.Y. and Lee, K.R (2017) 'Phenolic Glycosides from Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activity', Molecules, 22(6), pp. 1023. doi:10.3390/molecules22061023 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22061023 - Xie, L., Xu, X., Wu, X., Wang, M., Gao, C., Wang, D., Ren, S., Pan, Y. and Liu, X (2021) 'Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medic. extract alleviate cataract development by regulating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway of the lens epithelial cells', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 284, pp. 114783. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2021.114783 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2021.114783 - Hwang, J., Choi, E., Choi, H., Park, J. and Chung, M (2021) 'The Cholesterol-Lowering Effect of Capsella Bursa-Pastoris Is Mediated via SREBP2 and HNF-1alpha-Regulated PCSK9 Inhibition in Obese Mice and HepG2 Cells', Foods, 10(2), pp. 408. doi:10.3390/foods10020408 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10020408 - Gumusok, S., Kirci, D., Demirci, B. and Kilic, C.S (2023) 'Essential Oil Composition of Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik. Aerial Parts', Turkish Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 20(5), pp. 341-344. doi:10.4274/tjps.galenos.2022.15098 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.4274/tjps.galenos.2022.15098 - Herbal Reality (n.d.) 'Shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris): Benefits, Uses, Safety'. Available at: https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/shepherds-purse/ Traditional / reference
https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/shepherds-purse/ - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2010) 'Community herbal monograph on Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medikus, herba'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-capsella-bursa-pastoris-l-medikus-herba-first-version_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-capsella-bursa-pastoris-l-medikus-herba-first-version_en.pdf - ESCOP (European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy) (n.d.) 'Capsella bursa-pastoris (shepherd's purse) reduces heavy menstrual bleeding', pp. com. Available at: https://www.escop.com/capsella-bursa-pastoris-shepherds-purse-reduces-heavy-menstrual-bleeding/ Traditional / reference
https://www.escop.com/capsella-bursa-pastoris-shepherds-purse-reduces-heavy-menstrual-bleeding/ - Naafe, M., Kariman, N., Keshavarz, Z., Khademi, N., Mojab, F. and Mohammadbeigi, A (2018) 'Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extracts of Capsella Bursa-Pastoris on Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: A Randomized Clinical Trial', Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 24(7), pp. 694--700. doi:10.1089/acm.2017.0267 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2017.0267
- Bowman, R.L., Taylor, J. and Davis, D.L (2024) 'Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) use in pregnancy: a prospective observational study', BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. doi:10.1186/s12906-024-04465-7 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-024-04465-7 - Mostafa, H.S. and others (2020) 'Phenolic Composition, Mineral Content, and Beneficial Bioactivities of Leaf Extracts from Black Currant (Ribes nigrum L.), Raspberry (Rubus idaeus), and Aronia (Aronia melanocarpa)', Nutrients, 12(2), pp. 463. doi:10.3390/nu12020463 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12020463 - Bijak, M., Saluk-Bijak, J. and others (2016) 'The influence of Rubus idaeus and Rubus caesius leaf extracts on platelet aggregation in whole blood. Cross-talk of platelets and neutrophils', Platelets, 27(5), pp. 433-439. doi:10.3109/09537104.2015.1131254 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3109/09537104.2015.1131254 - Valdes, M. and others (2022) 'Rubus idaeus extract improves symptoms in knee osteoarthritis patients: results from a phase II double-blind randomized controlled trial', BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 23(1), pp. 650. doi:10.1186/s12891-022-05612-2 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-022-05612-2 - Campos, P.M. and others (2020) 'Anti-aging and brightening effects of a topical treatment containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract: A split-face, randomized controlled trial', Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 19(3), pp. 671-676. doi:10.1111/jocd.13305 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13305 - Bednarski, M. and others (2014) 'CD39/NTPDase-1 expression and activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells are differentially regulated by leaf extracts from Rubus caesius and Rubus idaeus', Cellular & Molecular Biology Letters, 19(2), pp. 291-304. doi:10.2478/s11658-014-0202-8 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.2478/s11658-014-0202-8 - Rojas-Vera, J., Patel, A.V. and Dacke, C.G (2002) 'Relaxant activity of raspberry (Rubus idaeus) leaf extract in guinea-pig ileum in vitro', Phytotherapy Research, 16(7), pp. 665-668. doi:10.1002/ptr.1040 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1040 - Raudone, L. and others (2022) 'In Vitro Antioxidant and Prooxidant Activities of Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) Stem Extracts', Molecules, 27(13), pp. 4073. doi:10.3390/molecules27134073 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27134073 - Cugnetto, M.L. and others (2015) 'An oil-soluble extract of Rubus idaeus cells enhances hydration and water homeostasis in skin cells', International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 37(4), pp. 428-433. doi:10.1111/ics.12236 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12236 - Socha, M.W., Flis, W., Wartega, M., Szambelan, M., Pietrus, M. and Kazdepka-Zieminska, A (2023) 'Raspberry Leaves and Extracts-Molecular Mechanism of Action and Its Effectiveness on Human Cervical Ripening and the Induction of Labor', Nutrients, 15(14), pp. 3206. doi:10.3390/nu15143206 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15143206 - Jianu, E.M., Pop, R.M., Gherman, L.M., Ranga, F., Levai, A.M., Rus, V., Bolboaca, S.D., Stefan, R.A., Onofrei, M.M., Nati, I.D., Stoia, I.A., Stefan, P.A., Mihu, C. and Mihu, C.M (2024) 'The Effect of Rubus idaeus Polyphenols Extract in Induced Endometriosis in Rats', Molecules, 29(4), pp. 778. doi:10.3390/molecules29040778 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29040778 - Cyboran-Mikolajczyk, S., Meczarska, K., Solarska-Sciuk, K., Ratajczak-Wielgomas, K., Oszmianski, J., Jencova, V. and Bonarska-Kujawa, D (2022) 'Protection of Erythrocytes and Microvascular Endothelial Cells against Oxidative Damage by Fragaria vesca L. and Rubus idaeus L. Leaves Extracts - The Mechanism of Action', Molecules, 27(18), pp. 5865. doi:10.3390/molecules27185865 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27185865 - Farnaghi, S. and Braniff, K (2022) 'Survey of Raspberry Leaf Tea in pregnancy', Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. doi:10.1111/ajo.13496 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1111/ajo.13496 - Simpson, M., Parsons, M., Greenwood, J. and Wade, K (2001) 'Raspberry leaf in pregnancy: its safety and efficacy in labor', Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health, 46(2), pp. 51--59. doi:10.1016/s1526-9523(01)00095-2 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/s1526-9523(01)00095-2
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.