Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) stands about 2-3 feet tall with mint-like flowers covered with white hairs, appearing up the erect stems at the leaf axils—giving rise to one of its other common names, “Lion’s Tail”.
Originally, Motherwort is from central Europe and Scandinavia, up to central Asia, but now cultivated for its herbal use, as well as an ornamental.
Motherwort is one of several traditional “heart herbs” in herbal medicine. Traditionally, Motherwort is used in conditions relating to the heart, people with anxiety attacks, as well as women’s health.
It is also known as one of the “nervine” herbs, which helps to tonify the central nervous system. It is often used in people with anxiety and heart palpitations.
Motherwort is often also used as an emmenogogue, helping to bring on menstruation, and in menopause. It is known to ease menstrual discomfort, and support postpartum recovery. Herbalists have employed it as a uterine tonic to promote circulation and relieve cramps.
Motherwort is also used in digestive disorders, bronchial asthma, and externally for wound healing and skin conditions.
Herbalists know Motherwort as an herb that is indicated in times of grief, anger and upset—giving the heart of a lion, “calm yet strong”.
Motherwort contains the alkaloid called leonurine, which is a mild vasodilator, and has an anti-spasmodic activity which helps to relax smooth muscles. It also contains bitter iridoid glycosides (leonuride), diterpenoids, flavonoids, and volatile oils.
Through scientific investigation, Motherwort has been confirmed to have antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity.
In clinical trials, it has been found to have sedative, cardioprotective and hypotensive activity.
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**This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.
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