Consuming excess motherwort could result in diarrhea, uterine bleeding, and stomach pain. Pregnant and breastfeeding women and those on heart rate or blood-thinning medications should avoid motherwort unless cleared by a medical professional.
What are the side effects of motherwort?
As a result, the herb’s safety and potential side effects are not fully understood. Based on recent findings, the potential side effects of consuming excess motherwort include diarrhea, uterine bleeding, and stomach pain ( 10, 19)
Is motherwort an invasive plant?
Native to central Eurasia, the hearty herb has now spread to North America, both as a garden plant and as an invasive weed. In herbal medicine, its leaves and flowers are used. Motherwort is also available in dietary supplement form.
What is motherwort and how is it used?
Motherwort is a perennial plant that is best known as an herb that helps the heart and women’s disorders.
What does motherwort look like when crushed?
Similar to this strongly fragranced plant, motherwort also has a unique aroma when bruised or crushed. This plant produces deeply toothed, ragged leaves and small, pink or purple flowers that appear in the summer. The lower leaves have five lobes while the upper leaves have three lobes.
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Is common motherwort edible?
Edibility and culinary use Unlike other herbs in the mint family, motherwort doesn't taste or smell particularly good. In fact, it actually tastes bitter. Despite this, motherwort leaves and flowers are still widely consumed for its health benefits. They're typically brewed to make tea.
Is motherwort poisonous to dogs?
This week's herb is motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca). When I see motherwort, I always think of its great attributes for heart conditions. Specifically, for the over-rapid heartbeat that is brought about by anxiety, tension, and similar conditions.
What is common motherwort used for?
Motherwort is used for heart conditions, including heart failure, irregular heartbeat, fast heartbeat, and heart symptoms due to anxiety. It is also used for the absence of menstrual periods, intestinal gas (flatulence), and over-active thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
Can you drink motherwort?
A tea can be prepared by steeping one to two teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Three cups of the tea may be consumed daily. In a tincture, a concentrated liquid herbal extract, a half to three-quarter teaspoon can be taken three times a day.
Can u smoke motherwort?
Some recommend smoking motherwort to promote astral projection, but smoking too much can cause respiratory arrest. It is therefore perhaps best burned in an incense burner or smudge pot rather than smoked directly. It is especially effective in combination with mugwort.
Is mugwort and motherwort the same?
Motherwort and mugwort plants are similar in appearance, but distinct characteristics set them apart. Mugwort leaves are white-woolly and almost silvery on the underside, while motherwort leaves may be slightly hairy and will be the same color on top and bottom.
Is common motherwort invasive?
Because of its vigorous growing habits, motherwort can quickly overtake a garden. It is considered invasive in the United States.
When do you harvest motherwort for tea?
The ideal time to harvest motherwort is in early to midsummer, just as the plant is beginning to flower. But you can also harvest the large, soft leaves in the pre-flowering stage. Cut and collect the top third of the stems, including the leaves, flowers, and buds.
How does motherwort affect the heart?
May lower heart rate and blood pressure One traditional use of motherwort is to help reduce rapid or irregular heart rate caused by stress or anxiety. In test-tube and animal studies, motherwort extract exhibited antiarrhythmic effects, suggesting that it could help lower elevated heart rate.
How do you make motherwort tea?
Pour one cup of near boiling water over one Tbsp of Motherwort. Cover and steep for 15-20 minutes. Strain and enjoy.
How do you identify motherwort?
How Can I Identify It? Motherwort is usually 2-5' tall with a heavily ridged square stem. The leaves are oppositely arranged along the stem, and though the shape is variable, the leaves tend to be palmate, or hand-shaped, with 3 or 5 sharply-pointed lobes.
What are the most poisonous plants to dogs?
The following plants are the most toxic to dogs and should never be made available to them under any circumstances:Castor bean or castor oil plant (Ricinus communis)Cyclamen (Cylamen spp.)Dumbcane (Dieffenbachia)Hemlock (Conium maculatum)English Ivy, both leaves and berries (Hedera helix)Mistletoe (Viscum album)More items...•
Are any herbs toxic to dogs?
Chives. Chives, along with others in the Allium family, such as onions, can be quite harmful to dogs when ingested. While they can tolerate low doses (as you'll find some flavoring in dog treats), it is best to avoid these plentiful herbs whenever possible.
Are there any flowers that are poisonous to dogs?
Azalea, Buttercups, Chrysanthemums, Gardenias, Gladiolas, Hibiscus, Hyacinth, Hydrangeas, Mums, Primroses, Rhododendrons, and Sweet Peas are popular garden items that are poisonous. That's just another good reason to keep your dogs away from your neighbor's award-winning flower bushes.
Is lavender poisonous to dogs?
Can dogs eat lavender? No, never feed your dog lavender buds or essential oil. They both contain linalool, a compound that is toxic to dogs in large amounts.
Where is Motherwort native to?
Also called lion’s tail, motherwort is an upright, prickly bush with dark green leaves and furry purple or pink flowers ( 1. Trusted Source. ). It’s native to Asia and Southeastern Europe but can now be found worldwide. In the United States, it’s considered an invasive species ( 2 ).
Is motherwort an invasive species?
In the United States, it’s considered an invasive species ( 2 ). Unlike some other herbs in the mint family, it has an unpleasant smell and bitter flavor. This article reviews motherwort, including its potential benefits and side effects. Share on Pinterest.
Does motherwort help with heart rate?
One traditional use of motherwort is to help reduce rapid or irregular heart rate caused by stress or anxiety. In test-tube and animal studies, motherwort extract exhibited antiarrhythmic effects, suggesting that it could help lower elevated heart rate. However, these effects have not been observed in humans ( 8. ).
Can you take motherwort tea with honey?
As research in humans is limited, there’s currently no set recommended dosage for motherwort. ). Motherwort can be purchased as loose leaf tea or in tincture and capsule forms. When consumed as a tea, motherwort is often combined with honey, ginger, lemon, sugar, or other strong flavors to help combat its bitterness.
Is Motherwort safe for humans?
However, research on its effectiveness and safety in humans is lacking. As such, more studies are needed before it can be recommended for health purposes.
Is Motherwort good for anxiety?
Motherwort has been used for thousands of years to treat various conditions, including heart disease, anxiety, and irregular menstruation ( 1. Trusted Source. ). Though many of its traditional uses have not been scientifically studied, research indicates that the herb has some potential health benefits.
Can motherwort cause stomach pain?
Finally, due to a lack of research and its potential to stimulate uterine contractions, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are also advised to avoid motherwort ( 10 ). Summary. Consuming excess motherwort could result in diarrhea, uterine bleeding, and stomach pain.
Where is Motherwort native to?
Native to central Eurasia, the hearty herb has now spread to North America, both as a garden plant and as an invasive weed. In herbal medicine, its leaves and flowers are used. Motherwort is also available in dietary supplement form.
What is motherwort used for?
Another prominent use for motherwort is as a tonic for the heart ( especially heart palpitations), as the Latin word cardiaca ("for the heart") indicates. 1 .
Why is motherwort called lion's tail?
(It's also known as lion's tail because it's thought to resemble the tip of a lion's tail.)
Does motherwort taste good?
Unlike many other herbs in the mint family, motherwort doesn't smell or taste good and is classified as a bitter herb. Still, some consume it in tea form, sometimes with a flavoring like sugar, honey, or lemon to disguise its unpleasant taste. 7
Does motherwort help with contractions?
In addition to being a source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, motherwort contains leonurine, a compound found to promote the relaxation of blood vessel walls in preliminary studies. 2 Interestingly, it's this same substance that's been shown to encourage uterine contractions, lending support to its traditional use in childbirth and as a promoter of menstruation.
Is motherwort safe for pregnant women?
Keep in mind, too, that dietary supplements haven't been tested for safety ...
Can you take motherwort with other medications?
As motherwort affects heart rate and rhythm, it should not be taken with other medication without discussing it first with your doctor. Among those who should not take motherwort: People with bleeding disorders or those taking blood thinners such as Coumadin (warfarin), due to motherwort's anti-platelet activity.
What is motherwort herb?
Motherwort is a perennial plant that is best known as an herb that helps the heart and women’s disorders. Early Greeks gave pregnant women motherwort who suffered anxiety. The Latin name is derived from the Greek: leon for lion and ouros for tail. The name cardiac comes from kardiaca, meaning heart.
What color are motherwort leaves?
The leaves are dark green on the top and pale below. They are deeply lobed into three and are somewhat oak-shaped. Some people may have a slight reaction (itching) to the motherwort leaf if they break it up.
When do motherworts bloom?
They bloom late June to early September.
The History Of Motherwort
There is a long historical account of the medicinal use of Motherwort. This plant is said to have likely originated from both central and northern Asia, specifically in Japan and Siberia. It was later introduced to Europe in about the 17 th century and subsequently to Northern America.
Where This Plant Is Found
Motherwort is perennial and is widely popular in Asia and the southeastern part of Europe. However, it is considered invasive in the United States. Although the herb is uncommon in the southern part of Illinois, it is widespread in the central and northern areas of the state.
How to Identify Motherwort
Motherwort plant grows with a stout and square stem, characteristically close to other mint varieties of plants. It stands on an erect or straight orientation, crowned with dark green and a sort of compound leaves, resembling that of a maple leaf. The leaves grow opposite from one another on the stem.
How to Harvest Motherwort
Harvest the Motherwort in full bloom. It is recommended to only cut and use the aerial or upper part of the herb where it is young, small, and supple.
What Motherwort Is Good For And The Natural Remedies Made From It
Motherwort is a popular choice for treating a variety of women’s disorders relating to the reproductive system. Pregnant women can use this to help relieve labor pain, which is usually sustained during premature delivery. It is also used to soothe post-natal depression among women.
What Parts Of The Plant Are Used In Remedies?
The whole herb can be used for all the discussed health problems. This means that its roots, upper or young stems, flowers, and leaves are used for the purpose of treating disorders and ailments. Normally, the top third of the herb is cut for use while it is still soft and supple.
How to Use
The Motherwort tincture is a good use for controlling high blood pressure, quick relief of palpitations and hot flashes from menopause. It also helps with anxiety problems and panic attacks. Use a maximum of 2 to 4 mL, three times daily.
Motherwort Care
Once established, motherwort is a very hardy plant. It can be grown in a wide variety of conditions and does not often contend with pests or diseases. Rarely, motherwort may be affected by spider mites or powdery mildew .
Propagating Motherwort
Motherwort grows rapidly and spreads through underground rhizomes. This makes division a quick and simple way to propagate this plant. Division is best done yearly to prevent motherwort from spreading out of control. To do this, you will need a garden shovel, gloves, and a sharp pair of garden snips. Then follow these instructions:
How to Grow Motherwort From Seed
Motherwort grows well from seeds, making it another great method of propagation. To grow seeds, cold stratification is required. Soak the seeds for up to 24 hours in water, then move them to a plastic bag with damp sand or peat moss and place them in the refrigerator. Leave in the refrigerator for one to two weeks.
Potting and Repotting Motherwort
Motherwort does well when grown in containers. This method of growing is ideal for those who want to keep motherwort from spreading throughout their garden. Its rapid growth means it will outgrow its container quite quickly. When this occurs, simply remove the plant and divide it. Repot the motherwort and either discard or pot the divided plant.
Overwintering
Motherwort grows well in areas with cold winters. Therefore, no extra care is required to overwinter these plants.
How to Get Motherwort to Bloom
Motherwort is known not only for its unique foliage but also for its interesting flowers. Motherwort blooms in the summer, producing tall stalks of numerous, small flowers. These tubular pink or purple blooms appear close to the stalk and sport an array of pointy sepals.
Common Problems With Motherwort
Motherwort is famous for its hardy, easy-going nature, and is often found springing up in areas of neglect, such as former gardens or near roadsides. With such a robust nature, motherwort does not often need much help growing.
What Is Motherwort Used for?
Selection & Preparation
- Unlike many other herbs in the mint family, motherwort doesn't smell or taste good and is classified as a bitter herb. Still, some consume it in tea form, sometimes with a flavoring like sugar, honey, or lemon to disguise its unpleasant taste.7 A tea can be prepared by steeping one to two teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Three cups of the …
Possible Side Effects
- Motherwort may trigger a number of side effects, such as:7 1. Diarrhea 2. Drowsiness 3. Sedation 4. Altered heart rate and rhythm 5. Low blood pressure 6. Uterine bleeding and contractions In addition, when applied to the skin, motherwort may increase sensitivity to the sun and boost the likelihood of sun damage.
Contraindications
- As motherwort affects heart rate and rhythm, it should not be taken with other medication without discussing it first with your healthcare provider. Among those who should not take motherwort: 1. People with bleeding disorders or those taking blood thinners such as Coumadin (warfarin), due to motherwort's anti-platelet activity 2. Those taking sedative medications 3. People planning to …