Latin Name: Leonurus cardiaca
Herb Class/Action: Motherwort is classified as a nervine, cardiotonic, and emmenagogue herb.
Parts of Plant Used: The aerial parts, including the leaves, flowers, and stems, of Motherwort are used for medicinal purposes.
Flavors: Motherwort has a bitter and slightly aromatic taste.
Energetics: Motherwort is energetically cooling and relaxing.
Medicinal Properties:
- Nervine Support: Motherwort is valued for its nervine properties, which calm and soothe the nervous system, reducing anxiety, tension, and stress. Its bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, exert a calming effect on the central nervous system, promoting relaxation and emotional stability. Motherwort is used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, nervousness, and restlessness, supporting mental clarity and emotional well-being.
- Cardiotonic Action: Motherwort acts as a cardiotonic herb that supports cardiovascular health and function. It strengthens and tones the heart muscle, regulates heart rhythm, and improves circulation. Motherwort enhances cardiac contractility and reduces palpitations, arrhythmias, and tachycardia. It also supports blood vessel health, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension and arteriosclerosis.
- Emmenagogue Effects: Motherwort exhibits emmenagogue properties that stimulate menstrual flow and regulate menstrual cycles. It promotes uterine tone and contractions, alleviates menstrual cramps, and relieves symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Motherwort is used to regulate irregular menstruation, promote menstruation in cases of amenorrhea or delayed menstruation, and support overall reproductive health in women.
- In the Garden: Motherwort is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and Asia and naturalized in many parts of the world. It grows in a variety of habitats, including meadows, fields, and woodland edges, and prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Motherwort has toothed, palmate leaves and produces spikes of small pink or purple flowers that bloom in summer. The aerial parts of Motherwort are harvested for medicinal use during the flowering season. Motherwort is a hardy and resilient plant that attracts pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, to the garden.
- Culinary Uses: Motherwort is not commonly used for culinary purposes due to its bitter taste and medicinal properties. However, it can be infused into hot water to make a bitter tea or decoction that is consumed for its therapeutic benefits. Motherwort tea is traditionally used to support cardiovascular health, calm the nerves, and promote relaxation.
- Precautions: Motherwort is generally safe for most individuals when used as directed. However, it may cause mild gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly those with allergies to plants in the Lamiaceae family, such as mint and basil. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using Motherwort due to its emmenagogue effects and potential uterine-stimulating properties, which may increase the risk of miscarriage or preterm labor.
