Organic Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

Herbs are Sold By the Ounce, Price is Per Ounce

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

Family: Lamiaceae

Common Names: Lion’s Tail, Lion’s Ear, Throw-Wort

Botanical Description: Motherwort is a hardy perennial herb that can grow up to 2 to 5 feet tall. It has square stems, characteristic of the mint family, with deeply lobed, dark green leaves that have a rough texture. The plant produces small, pale pink to purple flowers arranged in whorls around the upper part of the stems. These flowers bloom from mid to late summer. Motherwort has a slightly bitter taste and a strong, somewhat unpleasant aroma.

Habitat and Cultivation: Native to Europe and Asia, motherwort is now found growing in temperate regions worldwide, often in wild areas, gardens, and along roadsides. It thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. It can grow in a variety of soils but tends to favor those that are slightly alkaline.

Parts Used: Aerial parts (leaves, stems, flowers)

Historical and Folklore Uses:

Motherwort has a long history of use in traditional medicine, especially in Europe and China. The name "motherwort" reflects its use in women’s health, particularly for issues related to childbirth and menstruation. It was traditionally used to calm anxiety, treat heart conditions, and ease menstrual cramps. In folklore, motherwort was believed to offer protection against evil spirits and was often planted around homes for this purpose. It was also used in rituals to promote courage and strength.

Energetics and Taste:

• Energetics: Cooling, drying
• Taste: Bitter, slightly astringent

Medicinal Actions:

• Nervine: Calms the nervous system and helps to reduce anxiety and stress.
• Cardiotonic: Strengthens and supports the heart, particularly in cases of mild heart conditions like palpitations.
• Emmenagogue: Stimulates menstrual flow and helps regulate the menstrual cycle.
• Antispasmodic: Relieves muscle spasms and cramps, particularly in the uterus.
• Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation, particularly in the reproductive and cardiovascular systems.
• Mild Sedative: Helps to induce relaxation and sleep, particularly in cases of stress-related insomnia.

System Affinities:

• Reproductive System: Motherwort is most commonly used in women’s health to regulate menstrual cycles, relieve menstrual cramps, and support the body during childbirth and postpartum recovery. Its emmenagogue properties help stimulate menstrual flow and ease premenstrual tension.
• Cardiovascular System: The herb is also known for its cardiotonic effects, making it useful in treating mild heart conditions such as palpitations, especially those related to anxiety or stress. It helps to strengthen the heart and improve circulation.
• Nervous System: Motherwort’s calming and mildly sedative effects make it beneficial for treating anxiety, nervous tension, and insomnia. It helps to soothe the nervous system and promote relaxation.

Active Compounds:

• Leonurine: An alkaloid with cardiotonic and uterine-stimulating properties, contributing to motherwort’s effects on the heart and reproductive system.
• Flavonoids: Antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health.
• Iridoids (leonuride): Compounds with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
• Triterpenoids: Compounds that support the herb’s anti-inflammatory and cardiotonic actions.

Uses:

1. Menstrual and Reproductive Health: Motherwort is widely used to treat menstrual issues, including irregular periods, painful menstruation, and premenstrual tension. It is also used to support women during childbirth and postpartum recovery.
2. Heart Health: The herb is known for its ability to strengthen the heart and improve circulation, making it useful in treating mild heart conditions such as palpitations, especially those related to anxiety. It can also help lower blood pressure.
3. Anxiety and Stress Relief: Motherwort is commonly used to calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and relieve stress-related symptoms. It is often taken as a tea or tincture for its relaxing effects.
4. Digestive Health: The bitter properties of motherwort can also stimulate digestion, helping to relieve digestive issues like indigestion and bloating.
5. Sleep Aid: Due to its mild sedative effects, motherwort is sometimes used to help induce sleep in individuals who suffer from insomnia, particularly when it is stress-related.

Cautions:

• Pregnancy: Motherwort should be avoided during pregnancy due to its uterine-stimulating effects, which could potentially lead to miscarriage. It is sometimes used during labor under professional guidance, but only with caution.
• Heavy Menstruation: Motherwort may increase menstrual flow, so it should be used with caution by individuals who experience heavy periods.
• Low Blood Pressure: As motherwort can lower blood pressure, it should be used with caution by individuals with hypotension (low blood pressure).
• Drug Interactions: Motherwort may interact with sedative medications, anticoagulants, and medications that affect heart function. Consult a healthcare provider before use if you are on any of these medications.

Research and Studies:

1. A study published in Phytomedicine demonstrated the cardiotonic and anti-arrhythmic effects of leonurine, one of the active compounds in motherwort, supporting its traditional use in treating mild heart conditions .
2. Research in Journal of Ethnopharmacology highlighted the herb’s anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties, validating its use in treating stress, anxiety, and inflammation .
3. Another study in Planta Medica explored the emmenagogue effects of motherwort, confirming its traditional use in regulating menstrual cycles and relieving menstrual cramps.