Condition
Treatment Support
emmenagogue
Application
tincture, tea
Motherwort
(Leonurus cardiaca)
Botanical Information
A medium-sized garden perennial in the mint family with sharp-toothed leaves and whorls of small pink two-lipped flowers.
Working with Motherwort
Part(s) Used
Herb
Herb Forms
Tincture, bulk herb
Christopher Hobbs:
“Well-known as an emmenagogue, sedative, and nervine, motherwort is extremely beneficial to the cardiac and female systems. Women use it for amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, PMS, and vaginal dryness. As a heart tonic, it is used to strengthen the heart, benefit palpitations and hypertension, and relieve pain of mild angina.
Motherwort has a taste of BITTER and a temperature of COOL.”
Motherwort, native to central Europe and Asia, has been traditionally used since ancient Greek and Roman times to treat various ailments. In traditional European herbalism, it was primarily a remedy for heart-related conditions and menstrual issues. It was also believed to have calming properties, aiding in anxiety and nervousness, and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as well.
Modern Clinical Uses
Today, herbalists and naturopaths often use motherwort for its cardiovascular benefits, specifically for mild forms of hypertension, palpitations, and irregular heartbeats. It’s also commonly used for menstrual irregularities and menopausal symptoms, due to its ability to help with hormone regulation and its mildly sedative effects. It’s considered a nervine, which means it may help alleviate anxiety, mild depression, and restlessness.
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Motherwort contains a range of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, and volatile oils. The key compound is leonurine, which exhibits cardioprotective and antioxidant properties. This compound is believed to relax smooth muscle, which can help reduce blood pressure and heart rate. Flavonoids such as rutin provide antioxidant effects, which may contribute to cardiovascular health. The plant also has mild uterotonic properties, which could explain its historical use in female reproductive health.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials on motherwort are limited. Some studies suggest that it may have benefits for mild cardiovascular conditions due to its calming effect on heart rhythms. Small-scale studies have indicated potential for anxiety reduction and mild antidepressant effects, but more extensive, controlled trials are necessary to confirm these benefits and establish standardized dosages.
Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs
Cautions
Motherwort is generally safe when used appropriately but can cause some side effects, such as stomach upset, diarrhea, and uterine contractions. Due to its uterotonic properties, it’s not recommended for pregnant women, as it could potentially stimulate labor. It may interact with blood-thinning medications due to its anticoagulant effects, so caution is advised for people with bleeding disorders or those taking blood thinners.
It’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for dosage guidance, especially for long-term use.
Conditions treated with Motherwort
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
cardiac sedative
Application
tincture, capsule, tablet, tea
Condition
Treatment Support
heart tonic
Application
tincture, capsule, tablet, tea
Condition
Treatment Support
emmenagogue
Application
tincture, tea
Condition
Treatment Support
heart strengthening
Application
tincture, capsule, tea
Condition
Treatment Support
cardiac tonic
Application
tincture, capsule, tea
Condition
Treatment Support
sedative, thyroid regulator
Application
tincture, capsule
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
