Botany Bee Botanicals

Motherwort, Leonurus cardiaca, is an herbaceous plant native to Southeastern Europe, and Central Asia. It is the aerial parts that are used medicinally. It was used as a nervine, or nerve tonic in the Middle Ages. It was said to remove sorrow and melancholy, improve cheerfulness, and ease labor. It was believed to protect against evil spirits. This is a photo of my organically grown motherwort, which is almost done blooming.

The aerial parts of motherwort contain many bioactive compounds including alkaloids such as leonuride as well as terpenoids, glycosides, phenolics, tannins, essential oils, and flavonoids including rutin and quercetin. These substances are anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial, and analgesic.

Motherwort is traditionally used for its calming effects, as a relaxant, and antispasmodic. It is used to stop bleeding, and for and symptoms of menopause. Because of its alkaloids it is used to promote labor and induce menstruation. There is research that suggests injecting motherwort along with oxytocin can help reduce postpartum bleeding.

Traditional Chinese Medicine uses it for heart failure, irregular heartbeat, arrhythmia due to anxiety, and high blood pressure. Motherwort is a bitter herb, with a strong taste.

Suggested dosing: Tincture 3-12 ml per day. It is bitter. Try mixing motherwort with another strong-tasting beverage such as orange juice.

Possible Side Effects: Gastrointestinal disturbance, sleepiness, uterine bleeding, allergic reaction.

Contraindications: It can interact with sedatives and central nervous system depressants. Consult your physician and pharmacist. Do not use it in pregnancy. Do not use it if taking Warfarin.

Click here for an excellent scientific paper on the possible uses of motherwort. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/4303215

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose or treat any illness. I am not a medical professional and cannot diagnose or treat any illness.

Rev 7/26 © Botany Bee Botanicals

Beautiful native reishi, aka hemlock varnish shelf. Almost ready for harvest! We will offer it in tincture.