Motherwort

Species Name: Leonurus cardiac.

Also known as: Lion's Tail, Lion's Ear, Throw Wort, Roman Motherwort, Leonurus.

What is Motherwort: Motherwort is a hardy perennial native to Europe and central Asia.

Introduced to America, it has been naturalized in the northern part of the United States and all over Europe and North Africa.

It is a pungent, bitter and drying herb that grows to a height of five feet in waste places, along roads in no special soils.

Since ancient times, motherwort has been (and continues to be) an important part of herbal medicine.

Home remedies using Motherwort:

Benefits of Motherwort:

Motherwort is a wonderful support for women's health, easing menstrual cramps, PMS and the symptoms of menopause. But it is also a great relaxant that helps to alleviate stress, depression, anxiety and nervous disorders.

Uses of Motherwort:

It was believed Motherwort had sedative powers and it was valued as a remedy for heart disease, palpitations, depression and as a pain reliever during childbirth.

It was used for menstrual disorders, and the Japanese drank it in a tea to prolong life.   Motherwort has been used for centuries as a calmative that induces passivity in the whole nervous system and alleviates depression, nervous complaints, hysteria and palpitations of the heart (particularly when they arise from hysteric causes).

It is also said to be an effective painkiller easing headaches, and a sedative that helps to treat insomnia. As a tranquilizer, it is good for tremors, convulsions, and delirium. As an antispasmodic, it relieves stomach and menstrual cramps.

As a support for women's health, Motherwort is well known as an agent that promotes menstrual flow and controls its flow. It is good for encouraging and easing uterine contractions during childbirth (which facilities delivery) and as a painkiller, easing the pain of childbirth, menstrual cramping and menstrual-related headaches.

Motherwort is said to balance hormones and is believed to relieve the discomforts of PMS and the unpleasant symptoms of menopause. After childbirth, the herb has been used to tone and restore uterine health and reduce the risk of postpartum bleeding.

Motherwort has been used since ancient times as a cardiac tonic, it is said to reduce heart palpitations. The herb is thought to strengthen the heartbeat without increasing the pulse rate, and to sedate and relax the coronary arteries, resulting in increased circulation to the heart.

The glycosides appear to have a short-term ability to lower blood pressure and reduce blood platelet clumping. It may also treat heart disorders caused by anxiety and has been used in treating hyperthyroidism and goiter, due to nervous heart palpitations.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been using Motherwort as a specific for the liver and to treat hepatic infections, which may also result in brighter eyes and improved vision.

Motherwort is thought to be a fine stomachic, easing stomach pain and cramps and relieving gas.

Take two capsules with water, two times each day at mealtime.

Side Effects of Motherwort:

Because it stimulates contractions, pregnant women should avoid Motherwort, but it may be used during labor.

Those who have heart conditions should not use motherwort without asking their physician.

It may produce dermatalogical allergic reactions to those susceptible to dermatitis.

It is not recommended for people with clotting disorders, high blood pressure or heart disease.