Motherwort - Leonurus cardiaca
Motherwort Leonurus cardiaca, is an herbaceous plant native to Southeastern Europe, and Central Asia. It is the aerial parts that are used medicinally. It was used as a nervine, or nerve tonic in the Middle Ages. It was said to remove sorrow and melancholy, improve cheerfulness, and ease labor. It was believed to protect against evil spirits.
The aerial parts of motherwort contain many bioactive compounds including alkaloids such as leonuride as well as terpenoids, glycosides, phenolics, tannins, essential oils, and flavonoids including rutin and quercetin. These substances are anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial, and analgesic. This study 1 provides a great overview of the uses of motherwort.
Motherwort is traditionally used for its calming effects, as a relaxant, and antispasmodic. It is used to stop bleeding, and for and symptoms of menopause. Because of its alkaloids it is used to promote labor and induce menstruation. There is research that suggests injecting motherwort along with oxytocin can help reduce postpartum bleeding.
Traditional Chinese Medicine uses it for heart failure, irregular heartbeat, arrhythmia due to anxiety, and high blood pressure.
Motherwort is a bitter herb, and the strong taste cannot always be helped by sweetening.
Dosing: Tincture 3-12 ml per day. Tea may be too unpalatable. Try mixing motherwort with another strong-tasting beverage such as orange juice.
Possible Side Effects: Gastrointestinal disturbance, sleepiness, uterine bleeding, allergic reaction.
Contraindications: It can interact with sedatives and central nervous system depressants. Consult your physician and pharmacist. Do not use it in pregnancy. Do not use it if taking Warfarin.
1Leonurus cardiaca L. as a Source of Bioactive Compounds: An Update of the European Medicines Agency Assessment Report (2010) Radu Claudiu Fierascu, Irina Fierascu, Alina Ortan, Ioana Catalina Fierascu, Valentina Anuta, Bruno Stefan Velescu, Silviu Mirel Pituru, Cristina Elena Dinu-Pirvu, First published: 17 April 2019 https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/4303215