With thanks to Christine Mcdonnell
Latin Name: Leonurus cardiaca
Family: Lamiaceae family
Part used: Leaves and flowers,
Energetics: Bitter, cool, dry.
Iris: Hematogenic
Interactions: Please check with your Healthcare Provider.
CONTRA-INDICATIONS
- When applied to the skin Motherwort may increase sensitivity to the sun and boost the likelihood of sun damage.
- Not recommended if you are planning on undergoing surgery within 2 weeks.
- Not for those with low blood pressure
- Not for pregnant or breastfeeding women as it affects the uterus.
ACTIONS
Antispasmodic and cardio tonic
- Anti-spasmodic
- Anti-oxidant
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Analgesic
- Carminative
- Hepatic
- Nervine
- Cardiotonic
- Hypotensive
- Hypnotic
- Emmenagogue
- Uterine astringent
- Uterine tonic
- Anxiolytic
- Bitter/Digestive
Main Constituents
- Monoterpenes
- Diterpenes
- Triterpenes
- Alkaloids
- Including leonurine (cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory)
- Nitrogen containing compounds
- Phenylpropanoids
- Flavonoids
- Phenolic acids
- Volatile oils
- Sterols
- Tannins
Main Uses
Mental and Emotional: Heart palpitations occurring with anxiety attacks or other nervous disorders as well as part of an overall, Mood swings, Restlessness, Wakefulness, Disturbed sleep and anxiety
Endocrine System: Overactive thyroid, Hot flushes
Circulatory System: Acts as a diffusive heart tonic: relaxing and anti-spasmodic to the heart rate.
Reproductive System: Tones the uterine muscle and will eventually diminish menstrual cramps within four months. (*it’s indicated for use with the uterus as a tincture it will give fast relief from menstrual cramps when taken 5-10 drops at the moment of first pain and thereafter every 15 mins as needed), Menopause
Circulatory System: Hypertension (a tincture of motherwort (10-20 drops) taken several times a day can lower blood pressure), Relaxes blood vessel walls, Prevents blood clots.
Musculo-Skeletal: Lower back pain, Fibromyalgia, Chronic fatigue (10 drops of tincture ever 15 mins until relief sets in)
More About Motherwort
Motherwort has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in European and Asian cultures. It has been used for centuries to address various health issues, including menstrual irregularities, anxiety, and cardiovascular conditions.
Nicholas Culpeper considered motherwort useful for removing melancholy vapours from the heart, improving cheerfulness, and settling the wombs of mothers.
Traditionally in Chinese medicine it has been used in childbirth and to promote menstruation due to its uterine contracting properties.
In 15th century Europe, motherwort was considered by some herbalists to protect against evil spirits.
Motherwort has been traditionally used for its potential cardiovascular benefits. It is believed to have mild hypotensive (blood pressure-lowering) effects, which can be beneficial for individuals with mild hypertension. It may also have a calming effect on the heart.
Motherwort has been historically used to address menstrual issues, including irregular periods and discomfort associated with menstruation. It is thought to have mild uterine-relaxing properties.
Motherwort has been used traditionally as a nervine tonic, which means it is believed to have a calming effect on the nervous system. It has been employed to help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and stress.
In some traditional practices, motherwort has been used to support women during labor. It is believed to have a relaxing effect on the uterine muscles, which might be beneficial during childbirth.
Motherwort is sometimes considered to have mild sedative properties, which can contribute to its traditional use for calming the nervous system.
Some studies suggest that motherwort may possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which could be beneficial for overall health. However, more research is needed to fully understand the extent of these effects.
References
Uterine Heamorrhage (Induced Abortion)
Motherwort Injection for Preventing Uterine Hemorrhage in Women With Induced Abortion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Evidence
The results of this meta-analysis indicate prophylactic use of motherwort injection may reduce the risk of uterine hemorrhage in women after abortion, and more high-quality research is needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of motherwort injection in preventing uterine hemorrhage after abortion.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35935833/
Post-partum Blood Loss
Efficacy and safety of motherwort injection add-on therapy to carboprost tromethamine for prevention of post-partum blood loss: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Prophylactic use of motherwort injection add-on therapy to carboprost tromethamine could reduce post-partum blood loss.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30288846/