The name of this plant is derived from the resemblance of its flat seed-pouches to an old-fashioned common leather purse. For a view of the flowers see >
Link. It is similarly called in France Bourse de pasteur, and in Germany Hirtentasche. Other names are Shepherd's Bag, Shepherd's Scrip, Shepherd's Sprout, Lady's Purse, Witches' Pouches, Rattle Pouches, Case-weed, Pick-Pocket, Pick-Purse, Blindweed, Pepper-and-Salt, Poor Man's Parmacettie, Sanguinary, and Mother's Heart. The Irish name of 'Clappedepouch' was given in allusion to the begging of lepers, who stood at cross-roads with a bell or clapper, receiving their alms in a cup at the end of a long pole.
Shepherd's purse is a common weed which can be found worldwide. It is native to Europe from where it was spread by migratory peoples, and is believed to have been introduced to the New World by the Pilgrim Fathers. It is also an important medicinal plant. Dried and infused, it is still considered by herbalists as one of the best specifics for stopping haemorrhages of all kinds, with its haemostyptic properties said to equal those of ergot and hydrastis. During the Great War, when these were no longer obtainable, a liquid extract of Capsella bursapastoris was used as a substitute.
It has been used in English domestic practice from early times as an astringent in diarrhoea and was much used in decoction with milk to check active purgings in calves and it is also used as an application in rheumatic affections, and has been found curative in various uterine haemorrhages, especially those with which uterine cramp and colic are associated, and also in various passive haemorrhages from mucous surfaces. See >
Link for a wider view.