Motherwort

If you’re looking for a nurturing mother’s hug as we hurtle towards the, often stressful, Christmas circus look no further than motherwort. It is commonly known as ‘mother’s little helper’ because of its ability to help ease the stress and tension of weary mothers who need some mothering themselves. This is also suggested by its English name which means ‘mother’s herb’. It is often used when there is a rapid, fluttering or pounding heartbeat (palpitations) associated with anxiety, nervousness or hormonal shifts (as in menopause). Motherwort has a special affinity for women throughout their lives however men can find benefit in using it as well for maladies of the nervous system and heart triggered by stress.

This bitter herb is traditionally used for the women’s reproductive system, the bitterness supporting liver function to positively influence the hormones. It is predominantly a womb remedy for painful, delayed or suppressed periods. It is also used to prepare for childbirth where it is useful as a partus preparator and to facilitate the birth during labour.

As well as being a nervine tonic motherwort is also an acclaimed cardiotonic, known for strengthening the heart, as indicated by the Latin name cardiaca. In her famous book, A Modern Herbal, Maud Grieve says “old writers tell us there is no better herb for strengthening and gladdening the heart.” It can be used to decrease hypertension, especially when it is associated with nervous system imbalances like anxiety, and is also one of the go to remedies for hyperthyroidism. Nervous cardiac disorders, such as heart palpitations, are commonly experienced by those with Graves’ disease, the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in clinical practice in iodine sufficient areas.

References

de la Forêt R. Motherwort Monograph. Herb Mentor c2022 Learningherbs.com  (updated 30 Jan 2020; accessed 19 Oct 2022). Available from https://herbmentor.learningherbs.com/?s=motherwort

Eich K. Motherwort: Healing the Anxious Heart and Mind.Redroot Mountain School of Botanical Medicine. (updated 15 Feb 2009; accessed 19 Oct 2022). Available from http://www.redrootmountain.com/motherwort-healing-the-anxious-heart-and-mind/53

McIntyre A. The Complete Woman’s Herbal. Gai Books Limited:London. 1994. p. 97

Grieve M. A Modern Herbal. Penguin:London; 1980. p. 555