{"id":1861,"date":"2020-07-06T09:37:55","date_gmt":"2020-07-06T08:37:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/84.18.216.250\/~herbalreality\/?post_type=herb&p=1861"},"modified":"2025-09-20T11:51:46","modified_gmt":"2025-09-20T10:51:46","slug":"motherwort","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/motherwort\/","title":{"rendered":"Motherwort"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":1548,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"5e02f32b-3dc7-40d0-8837-3ae438bcf066","beyondwords_preview_token":"805dacc0-738a-4fd4-b8bf-183f27697bf9","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[79,644,41,98,1633,42,43,81,32,1983,80,49],"conditions":[696,694,693,698,697],"sustainability":[1575],"sense":[17,18],"western_action":[1017,990,1810,993,997,1000,1001,1832,1009,1013,1829,1023],"chinese_action":[1033,1032,1036],"ayurvedic_action":[1076,1057,1060,1086],"energetics_action":[1510,1512,1525,1506,1382,1487,1520,1519,1490],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-1861","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-anxiety","tag-anxiolytic","tag-bitter","tag-breathing","tag-cardiotonic","tag-digestion","tag-indigestion","tag-menstrual","tag-motherwort","tag-partus-preparator","tag-period","tag-stress","conditions-nervous-system","conditions-cardiovascular-system","conditions-endocrine-system","conditions-reproductive-system","conditions-urinary-system","sustainability-amber-sustainability-status","sense-aromatic","sense-bitter","western_action-nervine","western_action-analgesic","western_action-antidepressant","western_action-antimicrobial","western_action-antispasmodic","western_action-astringent","western_action-bitter","western_action-cardiotonic","western_action-emmenagogue","western_action-hepatic","western_action-thymoleptic","western_action-uterine-tonic","chinese_action-clear-heat-and-relieve-toxicity","chinese_action-cool-the-blood","chinese_action-drain-dampness","ayurvedic_action-hridaya","ayurvedic_action-rakta-shodhana-rakta-prasadana","ayurvedic_action-jwarahara","ayurvedic_action-nidrajnana","energetics_action-acrid","energetics_action-bitter-taste-chinese","energetics_action-bladder","energetics_action-cool-temperature-chinese","energetics_action-cool","energetics_action-dry","energetics_action-heart","energetics_action-liver","energetics_action-relaxing","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20250209","herb_author":1235,"banner_text":"Motherwort helps support the heart and reproductive system","latin_name":"Leonurus cardiaca<\/em>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Lamiaceae","herb_summary":"Motherwort is a calming and supportive reproductive remedy, with modern relevance for reducing symptoms of anxiety and stress.","key_benefits":"Palpitations\r\nAnxiety symptoms in the chest\r\nMenstrual problems","how_does_it_feel":"The immediate impression upon tasting motherwort tea is its bitterness. This taste is quickly followed by a modest, sharp, acrid quality. However, these tastes do not linger for long and leave a residual aromatic flavour in the mouth.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThese qualities are a reminder that motherwort acts on bitter receptors and are suggestive of its impact on digestive and liver function. <\/span>","hdif_image_1":1563,"hdif_image_2":1560,"hdif_image_3":1572,"hdif_video":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=fz-vusHVpKI","sense":[17,18],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"\"\"\r\n\r\nMotherwort is associated with calming anxiety symptoms, especially when they manifest in the chest. It promotes a sense of calm and compliments breathing exercises that focus on reducing tension in the diaphragm.<\/span>\r\n\r\nTension and anxiety are often associated with tightness in the diaphragm and ribcage \u2014 this amplifies heart sounds, causing a heightened awareness of the heart beating, and also interferes with digestive transit.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nA routine of breathing exercises to expand the diaphragm is important to manage this symptom of anxiety, and motherwort is a supportive tool in this exercise.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn this regard, a cup of motherwort tea is effective in supporting anxiety where the symptoms manifest as heart palpitations, hyperventilation, hiatus hernia and swallowing difficulties (1,2)..<\/span>\r\n\r\nMotherwort (suggestive of its name) is a key herb in supporting women\u2019s reproductive health, especially during periods of transition including menarche, childbirth and menopause. It helps to ease these transitions by supporting both the nervous and cardiovascular systems. It is a uterine tonic and helps to regulate the menstrual cycle, specifically in cases where stress or tension can cause irregular cycles and bleeding (2,3).<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"[caption id=\"attachment_8536\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"511\"]\"Motherwort Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe common and botanical name of this plant are key indicators of its modern and traditional usage. Motherwort (\u2018mother plant\u2019) suggests its traditional usage to support female health, particularly menstrual and uterine based conditions affecting fertility and conception. The Latin specific <\/span>cardiaca<\/span><\/i> (and the German common name Herzgespann) is indicative of the plant\u2019s affinity for treating heart related disorders, particularly where the condition may be exacerbated by emotional stress.<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), motherwort is considered a herb that helps to circulate the uterus qi. These qualities make motherwort a choice herb for regulating the menstrual cycle and addressing conditions in the female reproductive system. It is also used to circulate heart qi and to dispel wind heat (4).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nEnergetically, motherwort is considered cooling and dry with bitter, aromatic and acrid qualities (4). It is due to its acrid action that it works well in cases of constricted or atrophic tissue states. Acrid herbs are often used for constrictive tissue states because the bitter compounds responsible for the acrid qualities trigger reflexes in the autonomic nervous system (ANS) by the vagus nerve.This affects the epithelial tissues that line the visceral organs associated with ANS function (cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, nervous and urinary ) (5).<\/span>\r\n\r\nMotherwort has a specific affinity for the heart. This refers to both the emotional and physical aspect of the heart. Motherwort is indicated in cases presenting with a picture of cardiac \u2018feebleness\u2019, where there may be symptoms of palpitations, high blood pressure and a weak yet rapid heart rate (5).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt also has an affinity for the spine and pain in the pelvic and lumbar regions. It can be used as a nerve tonic\u00a0 to include in cases of spinal irritation. Matthew Wood describes motherwort as specific in emotional cases of \u2018excessive emotionality\u2019. He describes that patient as red faced (but not with anger) with staring eyes or a nervous expression (5).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn more modern medicine, its uses extend to hyperthyroidism (for the cardiac symptoms), palpitations, nervous tachycardia, secondary amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, ovarian pain, anxiety, neuralgia, and can be useful for menopausal hot flushes and a general menopausal aid (3,4).\u00a0<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"Motherwort is used to support menstrual irregularity and associated menstrual conditions in both Europe and China. The herb most often used in China is a botanically related species <\/span>Leonurus heterophyllus; <\/span><\/i>however, both species have similar medicinal and pharmacological uses.. Its reputation for improving mood has been a consistent theme since the Mediaeval era. The English herbalist Nicholas Culpeper considered motherwort useful for removing melancholy vapours from the heart, improving cheerfulness, and settling the wombs of mothers.<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"

\"CardiovascularCardiovascular system<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\r\nMotherwort is useful in any heart condition exacerbated by stress. It is specifically indicated in palpitations, tachycardia and angina and when the heart is under high levels of emotional distress, for example during a period of grieving or heartbreak (6,8).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt may be used to help treat high blood pressure due to its tonic action on the cardiovascular system . As a <\/span>cardiotonic<\/span><\/a>, motherwort directly supports the heart muscles that produces a regulating and strengthening effect on heart function (6,8).<\/span>\r\n

Endocrine system<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\r\nIn TCM, motherwort is commonly used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism as it is believed to have thyroid inhibiting effect (4). Its effects on the cardiovascular system are particularly important for managing associated symptoms of hyperthyroidism. It helps to reduce tachycardia and heart palpitations that often accompany this condition (6).<\/span>\r\n

Reproductive system<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\r\nMotherwort can be used in any condition affecting uterine function. It is classed as a uterine tonic, strengthening and nourishing the uterus in preparation for childbirth, as well as supporting and strengthening it postpartum. It is specifically indicated where menstruation is delayed or suppressed as a result of emotional tension (5).<\/span>\r\n\r\nMotherwort is also indicated for dysmenorrhea, amenorrhoea, fibroids and anxiety during menopause. It is not only a tonic for the reproductive tissues, but also relieves tension through its antispasmodic action (2,6).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Urinary system<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\r\nMotherwort has an affinity for the urinary system and can be used to support kidney health. It is indicated in cases of kidney fluid congestion and water retention due to its diuretic effect. Thus it can help to address conditions such as oedema, albuminuria, nephritis and chronic prostatitis (2,6). Motherwort helps to detoxify the blood of excess proteins through increased elimination of waste products via the kidneys. It may also be useful where there is blood in the urine caused by kidney stones (5). <\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_1569\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"518\"]\"Motherwort Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThere is currently very little research into the medicinal actions of motherwort. Almost all of the supporting literature is from classic herbals. There are a small number of in vivo and in vitro studies included below that focus on compounds found in motherwort which demonstrate a variety of its effects.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nA systematic review was carried out to investigate the effects the motherwort used in TCM (<\/span>Leonurus japonicus<\/span><\/i>), administered in the form of an injection (a preparation primarily composed of the herb\u2019s constituents leonurine and stachydrine) to reduce bleeding after childbirth and caesarean section. Forty-six randomised controlled trials were analysed with many comparing the effects of motherwort with oxytocin and some combining the two. The results from both showed significantly lowered blood loss within two and 24 hours, and reduced risk of complications and adverse events. Motherwort injection combined with oxytocin also decreased the risk of postpartum haemorrhage (9).<\/span>\r\n\r\nMotherwort has been shown to exhibit antioxidant effects through in vitro research. Whilst, <\/span>in vivo<\/span><\/i> studies have established hypotensive and vasorelaxant effects of leonurine, a compound in motherwort. Uterotonic effects from some of its active constituents; lavandulifolicide and verbascoside have also been identified. Whilst a compound called stachydrine was identified as having oxytocic effects via in vivo research (10).<\/span>","did_you_know":"The botanical name, <\/span>Leonurus<\/span><\/i>, given to the plant by the leading plant taxonomist Linnaeus, reflected an early common association and name, lion\u2019s tail.<\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":122369},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Motherwort is a herbaceous, perennial member of the mint family. It is native to Europe and will grow naturally in hedgerows, banks and most often in calcareous soils. Its most distinguishable feature is the leaves, which are palmately cut into separate lobes or three-pointed segments and have a layer of soft hairs covering the surface.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe plant can grow to 1\u20132 meters in height and produces whorls of pinky-white flowers that also display a thick layer of hairs. Like other Labiates it has a characteristic square (quadrilangular) stem (12).<\/span>","common_names":"