Shepherd's purse, confused? « Back to Group Discussions

[Ajbaby]

My midwife has a birth kit that has shepherds purse capsules in it. It says to take one three times a day during the last four weeks of pregnancy, but everything I has read says to not take it while pregnant. I will probably call tomorrow and ask about it. Is the capsule different than the tincture?

[Jaimee]

As far as I know Shepherd's purse is effective for stopping postpartum hemorrhage.  It constricts the blood vessels (don't take it if you have higher blood pressure) and can cause the uterus to contract.  Perhaps the thought is to induce labor via contractions?  That doesn't seem like something that should automatically be taken, though.  My guess is that it is in the kit for hemorrhage.  I would contact your mw about its use before taking it for sure!