Motherwort

     Also known as: Leonurus Cardiaca, Lion’s Tail, Oreille de Lion, Herbe Piquante

     Each time I feel anxious, slightly depressed or just a little nervous, I know it’s time for a Mother’s Wort cup of tea treat. Nervous conditions are usually accompanied with heart arrhythmias (fast heart rate, irregular heartbeat), migraine episodes and insomnia, so a mild sedative plant with cardiotonic effects is the right choice for a moment of calmness and tranquility. The erratic lifestyle and everyday stress reflect in our bodies, whether we are aware of it or not and symptoms appear when we least expect it. When we are confronted with hypertension, nervous colitis and gastritis, menstrual irregularities or when we face postpartum depression or menopause discomfort, Motherwort can be a good friend for our wellbeing state.

     Part of Labiatae Family, Motherwort is a medicinal plant used primarily for the heart, lowering blood pressure, preventing blood clots and decreasing the level of the fat in the blood, but it is also known as an  emmenagogue and uterine tonic. In Ancient Greece, Motherwort was used by pregnant women for easing anxiety symptoms and in China, the herb was recognized as a longevity promoter, while Chinese women also used it as a menstrual regulator. One of the effects of Motherwort is that it may stimulate the period and many women try it in the absence of menstrual periods, but in cases of the uterine bleeding condition, caution is mandatory. The plant is known to improve fertility, but is completely forbidden during pregnancy because the bitter principle (chemical) contained in the herb, called “leonurine” encourages uterine contractions and may lead to miscarriage. Breastfeeding moms should also avoid using Motherwort, since there are not enough research available about the effects. The infusion, meaning 1 teaspoon of dry Motherwort herb per cup of boiling water is usually prescribed twice a day and when in a tincture, half of a teaspoon is recommended twice a day.