Motherwort

Leonurus cardiaca  Family: Labiatae

Overview

Motherwort is a deeply heart-centered herb, offering both emotional and physical comfort for times of unrest and transition. Traditionally used to regulate menstruation, ease menopausal symptoms, and support heart health, it’s a cherished ally for the nervous system. With its bitter warmth, Motherwort helps ease anxiety, soothe insomnia, and gently promote circulation. Spiritually, it’s a herb of courage and reassurance—calming the heart, grounding the body, and steadying the spirit.

Traditional Uses:

• Stimulated delayed menstruation
• Promotes circulation
• Arterisclerosis
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Menopausal symptoms

Caution:

Avoid using during pregnancy

Fun Fact:

Ancient Chinese courtesans would take daily to help prevent pregnancy and to ward off venereal disease

Applications:

Infuse 1oz dried herb for 1quart of water, take 1-3 Cups daily; 15-30 drops tincture daily

Parts Used:

Leaves

Habitat & Growing Conditions:

Native to southeastern Europe and central Asia, now it can be found in North America as a common weed in zones 3-8. Likes moist soil in we areas, full sun to partial shade

Traditional Chinese Medicine Flavors:

Bitter, spicy, slightly cold

Properties:

• Emmenagogue
• Cardiac tonic
• Antispasmodic
• Nervine
• Diuretic
• Carminative

Key Constituents:

• Bitter glycosides including leomurin and leomuridine
• Alkaloids including leonuinine and stachydrene
• Volatile oil
• Tannins

Try the following products that include this heart healthy herb: 

• Heart Tonic
  
• Relaxing Tonic

Sources:

The Way of Herbs, Michael Tierra p158

The New Holistic Herbal, David Hoffmann p215

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. If you are under the care of a health care provider and/or taking prescription medication, check with your health care provider before taking any herbal supplement.