Family Name: Cruciferae
Botanical Name(s): Capsella bursa-pastoris
Popular Name(s): Shephards Purse, Cocowort, Shepherd's Heart,
Pickpocket, Toywort, St. James' weed, Pepper Grass, Shepherd's Sprout,
Mother's Heart
Parts Used: Whole plant
Habitat: Case Wort owes its origin to Europe or West Asia. But
it is found in other parts of the world also.
Description: Case Wort is a green plant covered with hairs. Its
slender stem is usually sparingly branched and is generally smooth
except at the lower part. The plant, at its base, bears a few small,
oblong leaves which are arrow shaped. Above them, there exist numerous
small, white, inconspicuous flowers. The plant bears wedge-shaped fruit
pods, divided by narrow partitions into two cells containing numerous
oblong yellow seeds.
Uses: Case Wort is used as an astringent, diuretic,
anti-inflammatory, vulnerary and styptic. It is effective in the
treatment of wounds, diarrhoea and other disorders. It has a specific
use in stimulating menstrual process.
