16901

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 03:05
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Motherwort

  • Botanical Name

    Leonurus cardiaca

  • Part Used

    Herb

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    25%

  • Dose

    15 to 80mL weekly

Motherwort is commonly known as ‘mother’s little helper’ because of its ability to help ease the stress and tension of weary mothers and it has a special affinity for women throughout their lives. Motherwort is traditionally used for the women’s reproductive system as suggested by its English name which means ‘mother’s herb’. While motherwort is often considered a herb for women, men can find benefit in using it as well for maladies of the nervous system and heart triggered by stress. 
It is also an acclaimed cardiotonic known for strengthening the heart as indicated by the Latin name cardiaca. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Motherwort and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Folkloric uses of motherwort emphasised it as being a calming and relaxing herbal agent with tonic effects on hormonal, nervous and cardiac systems. It is also a traditional childbirth and postpartum botanical that has been used for centuries.

  • Actions

    Cardiovascular tonic, relaxing nervine, circulatory stimulant, antispasmodic, hypotensive, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, emmenagogue, uterine tonic, diaphoretic, diuretic, hypoglycaemic, digestive bitter, antibacterial, antifungal, vermifuge

  • Indications

    •    Cardiac insufficiency, tachycardia or other arrhythmias, hypertension, heart palpitations associated with anxiety and excessive worry, especially when they are a feature of insomnia, poor circulation
    •    Hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease)
    •    Menstrual cramping, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, menopausal symptoms (especially accompanied by anxiety, insomnia and palpitations), delayed labour, delayed afterbirth. It is often used in the last weeks of pregnancy to facilitate labour and following childbirth to minimise blood loss. 
    •    Stress, anxiety
    •    Digestive disorders, flatulence
    •    Fever
    •    Topically used for wounds, skin inflammation, itching and shingles

  • Energetics

    Cooling, drying, bitter, astringent.

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Motherwort has a traditional use as an emmenagogue and should be avoided by pregnant women in the first trimester (especially in those with a history of miscarriage), second trimester and most of the third trimester. Under the guidance of an experienced practitioner it can be used just before and after labour.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Consult a doctor before taking motherwort if taking cardiac medications. Motherwort is contraindicated for women with endometriosis or fibroids because it increases vascularisation to the uterus. Caution should also be taken during heavy menstrual bleeding.

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with central nervous system depressants including benzodiazepines.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Coleus, Olive Leaves, Arjuna, Hawthorn, Garlic, Bilberry, Pomegranate, Ginkgo, Withania, Lime Flowers, Saffron