Motherwort

Leonurus cardiaca

Labiatae/Lamaiceae - Mint Family

Common Names: Lion's Heart, Throwwort

Motherwort is considered a normalizing herb and is active in two different areas. The Latin name, cardiaca, indicates that it is useful for heart problems. It is considered one of the best heart tonics, and is a specific to regulate and strengthen the heart beat. Motherwort can be found combined with other heart herbs in present day formulas.

Since wort means plant, Motherwort would seem to indicate a Motherplant, and that is exactly what it has been for centuries. Scientific studies confirm the traditional uses of Motherwort.

Nicholas Culpepper, a famous herbalist in the Seventeenth-century said about Motherwort, "It took the name Motherwort because it settles mothers' wombs and is a wonderful help to women in their sore travail (delivery)…it also provoketh women's courses (menstruation)."

Motherwort relieves such problems as premenstrual syndrome, nervousness, depression, mood swings and menopause with its well-known hot flashes. It can be taken in tincture form or as a tea. To relieve the cramps caused by painful menstruation, a hot fomentation wrung out of the strong tea and placed over the abdomen is beneficial.

There are many herbs that qualify to be used for the female system. Each herb has different properties so it is important to know which herbs to use and which herbs not to. Also, each herb needs to be matched to the woman's condition. For instance, pregnant women should not use Motherwort until just before delivery because it stimulates menstrual bleeding. Nor would a woman with a heavy menstrual flow want to use it. Yet a woman with delayed or scanty mensus would find Motherwort very helpful.

In addition, one needs to know if there are any other specific problems. What if someone has a thyroid problem? Not as well known, perhaps, is that Motherwort can benefit those people with a hyperactive thyroid. However, a person with a hypoactive thyroid should never use it as it is contraindicated. Therefore, it is always necessary to consult with your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Motherwort is a member of the Mint family, but with a few distinguishing characteristics of its own. The palmate leaves are deeply lobed and irregularly toothed, all growing from the stem rather than branches. It can grow to five feet tall. Also, it does not have the usual minty odor. Instead, it is strong and unpleasant according to many who have smelled it.

Originally from Asia, Motherwort was introduced into the British Isles as a medicinal herb, and then later taken to America.