Motherwort

Leonurus cardiaca

Lion's Ear Lion's Tail Lion's Tart Motherwort Parts used Uses Habitat and cultivation Constituents How much to take How it works in the body Applications Harmonizing mother tincture

Motherwort is native to the European continent, but has been naturalized throughout North America, ranging in geographical extent from Nova Scotia to Montreal and south to Texas and North Carolina. Motherwort prefers vacant lots and similar waste places.

Motherwort is a perennial herb growing to five feet. The leaves are shaggy-appearing and to some extent resemble a lion's tail, which explains several of its other common names: lion's tail, lion's ear, lion's tart. Each leaf has three lance-shaped lobes. The tiny flowers bloom between June and September and are pink, white, or purple and grow in clusters.

Motherwort is predominantly a womb remedy, for painful, delayed or suppressed periods, and also to prepare for childbirth. If taken two to three times daily, in the last few weeks of pregnancy, it encourages more coordinated contractions of the uterus when otherwise they could be painfully spasmodic or insufficient. The name motherwort could also come from its traditional reputation for soothing stress and tension during pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood.

Both alkaloids in motherwort induce uterine contractions, stachydrine doing so particularly at the end of pregnancy when the nature of uterine muscles changes and Braxton-Hicks contractions begin in practice for labour. This stimulating effect is coupled with an appreciable sedative and relaxing effect, contributed by bitter glycosides, useful for anxiety or tension about the coming birth. This combination of relaxant with uterotonic effects gives motherwort a useful role both as a partus preparator and during labour to facilitate the birth. Motherwort has a reputation for preventing miscarriage and relieving false labour pains.

Motherwort has other cardio - tonic properties, making it beneficial to the heart. Motherwort strengthens the heart, especially useful during pregnancy and childbirth when more stress is imposed on the heart. Motherwort may also be used for irregularities such as arrhythmias and palpitations which are associated with anxiety and tension. The glycosides have been observed to have a short-term ability to lower blood pressure.

PARTS USED

Aerial parts, seeds.

USES

A remedy for the heart and nerves and often prescribed for palpitations, motherwort strengthens heart function, especially in conditions where the heart is weak. A gentle sedative and antispasmodic, it promotes relaxation rather than drowsiness. However, it does stimulate the muscles of the uterus, and is especially suitable for delayed menstruation, menstrual pain, and premenstrual tension (especially if shock or distress is a factor). Motherwort should not be used if menstrual bleeding is heavy.

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

Native to central Asia, motherwort is now naturalized in much of Europe and North America. Motherwort grows wild in woodlands, open areas, and along roadsides. Motherwort is also grown as a garden plant. Motherwort is harvested when in flower in summer.

CONSTITUENTS

Motherwort contains alkaloids (including L-stachydrine), an iridoid (leonurine), diterpenes, flavonoids, caffeic acid, and tannins.

HOW MUCH TO TAKE

Take an infusion, 200 ml (8 fl oz), twice daily. For the tincture, take 2 ml (40 drops), three times a day. The Chinese dosage is 9 - 60 g (1/2 - 3 oz).

HOW IT WORKS IN THE BODY

As its history indicates, motherwort is a remedy for the cardiovascular system, particularly where there are palpitations and when they are aggravated by nervous tension or stress. Its actions are antispasmodic and sedative, helping to regulate the heart, and also acting as a tonic to strengthen weakness of the heart. Motherwort can be used where there is high blood pressure. In addition, in the reproductive system, motherwort helps to bring on a delayed period by stimulating the uterine muscles. Motherwort is also used where there is premenstrual syndrome, especially in early menopause. In Chinese herbalism, its use in the reproductive system extends from irregular periods and premenstrual pain, to a treatment for infertility and immobile abdominal masses. The Chinese properties are acrid, bitter, and slightly cold.

APPLICATIONS

AERIAL PARTS:

INFUSION - Use as a tonic for menopausal syndrome, anxiety and heart weaknesses, or for menstrual pain. Add 2 - 3 cloves and drink during labor. Take after childbirth to help restore the uterus and reduce the risk of postpartum bleeding.

SYRUP - The infusion is traditionally made into a syrup to disguise the flavor. Use in similar ways.

TINCTURE - Use as the infusion. Prescribed with herbs such as hawthorn as a heart tonic.

DOUCHE - Use the infusion or diluted tincture for vaginal infections and discharges.

SEEDS:

DECOCTION - Use for menstrual problems.

EYEWASH - Use a weak decoction for conjunctivitis; or sore or tired eyes.

HARMONIZING MOTHER TINCTURE

• 1 cup (250 ml) spirits (60%-90% alcohol content) : brandy, gin, vodka
• 1 oz (30 g) fresh motherwort leaves

Combine all the ingredients and let stand in a glass jar away from light for 1 month. Strain.
Take 10 drops at a time, 3 times daily for acute cases. The treatment can be extended for up to 3 consecutive months. The tincture has a bitter taste, but it works quickly and effectively. For use against anxiety attacks, hysteria, gastritis and heart palpitations.