Mother, as herbalists affectionately call Motherwort, is a wonderful herb to know. She is one of my most favourite herbal allies and I met her a very long time ago. Over the years, she has become a good friend. Motherwort, definitely a woman’s herb in my mind offers us so many healing gifts.
I often share this post on Mother’s Day – and proclaim "let’s celebrate all the mothers… our own mothers, those of us who are mothers, and our mothers’ mothers ~ as well as this 'green mother' the sweetest of strong, nourishing, supportive herbs"
MOTHERWORT (Leonurus cardiaca)
From the mint family, motherwort is one of the first plants coming up in my garden this month!
In late June to early July, we harvest the top 20-30 % of the plant in her early flowering stage. Her dainty flowers on either side of her proud, usually very sturdy central stalk.
Motherwort medicine is a wonderful general tonic. We use the tincture, normally, for anxiety, depression, for difficulty sleeping, for times when we feel stressed out. Motherwort tincture can be very effective for digestive issues, especially when ‘stress’ is a big part of the ‘mix’.
Motherwort is a strong ally in reproductive system conditions. She has a gentle, yet powerful ability to tone and relax the uterus. Motherwort medicine can be used for amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia! Well that’s a mouthful! What that means? For scanty periods which need support, for painful periods and for heavy bleeding during menses. I’ve used motherwort in combination with other herbs to help curb PMS symptoms. Traditionally, motherwort tincture is very soothing for mood swings, when we are feeling ‘sensitive’, as well as anxiety and feeling ‘down’ ~ connected to hormonal imbalance. For this reason, it’s very helpful in cases of PMS and menopausal moodiness too. I’ve used motherwort medicine successfully with clients and menopause related heart palpitations.
Perhaps, motherwort herb, most famously, because of her latin name “cardiaca”, she is notable for her help with situations of high blood pressure, cardiac arrythmias and palpitations. Sometimes motherwort medicine can really help to increase poor circulation, in the cardiovascular system as well as peripheral circulation. (cold hands and feet)
So – think Motherwort Medicine – in times of nervous tension, as a general tonic, as a calm supportive herbal medicine, generally. Think of her— when digestive issues due to stress!
Think of Motherwort with female reproductive issues and as a super cardiac supporter!
I prefer tincturing the top ⅔ of the plant, as opposed to making a tea, which is quite bitter. The tincture combines well with other herbs and is always a part of my apothecary. As a bitter, it’s especially perfect during SPRING as a liver supportive herb! If you want to purchase the tincture, ready to use, I like this brand here.
Want some more details? Have a peek at the lists below—for the full scoop on Motherwort’s healing properties ~ and do check the glossary here for any unfamiliar terms.
Primary Properties:
antispasmodic,
aperient,
anxiolytic,
astringent,
cardiac,
diaphoretic,
emmenagogue,
nervine,
relaxant,
tranquilizer,
uterine tonic.
Also in a supportive capacity:
anticatarrhal,
bitter,
carminative,
cholagogue,
decongestant,
depurative,
euphoric,
febrifuge,
hepatic,
hypotensive,
sedative,
sialagogue,
stomachic,
vasodilator (neural),
+ vulnerary.
*** Click here for glossary of herbal therapeutics.
NOTE: Be aware that motherwort, as a part of the mint family, can have a depressive affect on the thyroid. Use with guidance of an experienced herbalist.
Contraindications: Pregnancy.
May we celebrate our mothers ~ ALL mothers..
Have a wonderful day! xo Carol
Here's a PIN for you ~ to remember mama Motherwort! Check out SB Board:
Norma Steiner
This is very informational, Carol. I didn't realize what all mother wort could do!!
Carol Little
Motherwort is a great woman's herb! Glad you enjoying the info!
amber
Thanks for this information I look forward to using motherwort as an ally in the future
Carol Little
Motherwort is a great herb to know! I just made some more tincture from Motherwort in my own garden. So rewarding.
linda spiker
You always introduce me to herbs I have never heard of! Thanks for the education:)
Lori
I had no idea it has so many benefits! Thank you so much for the information.
Raia Todd
Wow, I've never used or even seen motherwort. It's amazing how many helpful things we can find if we look!
Megan Stevens
Super educational, Carol. Thank you! I think I could benefit from Motherwort. I will have to look into growing it too!
Carol Little
Thanks Megan. I hope you do look into it -- wonderful plant + so easy to grow. It self-seeds but not a problem, really. I have about 14 plants.. and they are lovely.. They pop up here and there!
Shelby Stover
I've never used this! Neat that it's a diuretic!
Carol Little
Yes. Motherwort is many things. If you are looking for a diuretic, it would not be my first choice...
Such a powerful herb for so many body systems
Dante
Can I mix Motherwort with Passion Flower, Lemon balm, and Skullcap?
Carol Little
Yes Dante. What results are you wanting to achieve?
Robin
Would this be good to take for estrogen dominance?
Carol Little
I've not used Motherwort for this purpose. I have used Vitex with some success. This is a big topic, though.
It takes a holistic approach to ultimately restore hormonal balance. Focus on an anti-inflammatory, nutrient dense diet, some daily movement, time in nature whenever possible. Good amounts of high quality sleep time is beneficial. Adapt healthy stress management techniques.
Every day,your daily routine needs a "break" for at least 10 minutes, in order to allow your body to go into a parasympathetic (rest and digest) mode. This can be as simple as a relaxed yoga stretch, taking a bath, reading a (non-business) book or calling a friend. All of these things will support your hormonal system to re-balance.
Herbs can be a great support too..I hope that you find this helpful. I can only comment in a general way unless speaking to my clients 1 on 1.. good wishes and thanks for the great question.