what is motherwort herb used for

Potential benefits of motherwort

• Antioxidant properties. Motherwort contains numerous plant-based compounds with antioxidant properties, including...
• May lower heart rate and blood pressure. One traditional use of motherwort is to help reduce rapid or irregular heart...
• May aid heart health. Ursolic acid, leonurine, and flavonoids are compounds in motherwort that have...

Full Answer

What are the benefits of motherwort?

Motherwort is a sedative and Antispasmodic. It helps in improving the functioning of Heart. It is effective for Heart-related problems. It helps in normalizing the heartbeat and strengthens the Heart. It decreases the levels of fat and clotting in the blood. It promotes blood flow and prevents Heart Attack and Stroke.

Is motherwort a sedative?

Motherwort is a perennial plant from Lamiaceae (mint) Family. It is an aborigine of Europe and Asia. It is a good remedy to cure Hot Flashes and Night Sweating. Motherwort is a sedative and Antispasmodic.

How did motherwort get its name?

Thus, its name Motherwort has been derived. In 1869, William Cook, a known physiomedicalist at that time, also wrote about the herb as a good way to calm the nerves and to relieve muscle spasms, particularly the muscle found in a person’s bowel wall.

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What are the benefits of motherwort herb?

It was widely used to regulate menses and to treat associated conditions. It was also considered a helpful diuretic and heart-strengthening herb by herbalists in both cultures, particularly to alleviate heart palpitations associated with anxiety attacks. Europeans used motherwort as a sedative as well.

How does motherwort make you feel?

The acrid bitterness of motherwort may calm the sympathetic nervous system and aid with nervous restlessness, wakefulness, disturbed sleep and anxiety. The use of motherwort tincture during these moments may help relieve nervousness.

Who should not take motherwort?

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. Those taking sedative medications. People planning to undergo surgery (avoid taking it within two weeks of your procedure)

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.

Does motherwort increase estrogen?

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute offer new evidence that herbs such as red clover and motherwort -- traditionally used for gynecological complaints -- as well as saw palmetto and rhodiola rosea root can have such a strong estrogenic effect they could increase the risk of estrogen-related ...

Does motherwort help with fertility?

Motherwort has been found to mildly stimulate the uterus, while also aiding the uterus to work efficiently in the case of bringing on menses for women with absent menstrual cycles, as well as those with painful periods.

Can you take motherwort on your period?

Uterine bleeding: Motherwort may be able to stimulate uterine blood flow, which is why some women try it for starting their periods. If you have a uterine bleeding condition, use motherwort with caution, since it might make this condition worse.

Can you smoke motherwort herb?

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.

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.

Does motherwort make you sleepy?

Motherwort might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Medications that cause sleepiness are called sedatives. Taking motherwort along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness.

Does motherwort help you sleep?

Motherwort is particularly helpful in sleep formulae when there is an issue with repeated, disruptive waking in the night. It's also quite good when indigestion is frustrating sleep, as it's a bitter digestive: we need to digest to rest, to sleep deep.

Is motherwort and mugwort the same thing?

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.

How do you take motherwort?

Motherwort should be harvested when in full bloom. Harvest the aerial parts—leaves, flowers, and stems can be used. I use the stem only on the upper portions of the plant, where it is fairly small and supple. On the lower portions, I remove the leaves to use in tea or tinctures, and discard the stem outdoors.

This herb is said to calm anxiety and lower blood pressure

Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health.

What Is Motherwort Used For?

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.

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 

Contraindications

As motherwort affects heart rate and rhythm, it should not be taken with other medication without discussing it first with your healthcare provider.

Overview

Motherwort is a plant. The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.

How does it work ?

Motherwort can reduce inflammation and has antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. It also stimulates uterine contractions.

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.

Materia Medica : How to use Motherwort - Uses and Benefits

Motherwort is a perennial plant from Lamiaceae (mint) Family. It is an aborigine of Europe and Asia.

Motherwort for Insomnia

Prepare a decoction of l-2 teaspoons of the dried herb powder in a glass of water. Boil it for l0-l5 minutes. Strain. Drink thrice a day.

Motherwort for Depression

Prepare tea with a few leaves of Motherwort. Take two cups two times a day.

Motherwort for Palpitation

Prepare a decoction of the leaves of Motherwort. Take two times a day.

Motherwort for Hyperthyroidism

Motherwort is a natural beta blocker which helps to control high heart rate and palpitations. It reduces the symptoms of Hyperthyroidism like Anxiety and Insomnia. Steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of Motherwort seeds in a cup of warm water for 5 to 6 minutes. Strain well and drink it lukewarm three times a day for 2 weeks.

Motherwort for Interstitial Cystitis

Steep 1 teaspoon of dried Motherwort herb in one cup of hot water for 20 minutes. Drink it, once a day.

Motherwort for Menses Scanty

Motherwort gives relief from menstrual cramps. It stimulates the blood circulation to the reproductive organs of a female. Take dried Motherwort and make a decoction. Drink it once in a day.

Heart

Motherwort is wonderful for the heart and cardiovascular system. It seems to work even better when paired with a tincture of hawthorn. It may even help those with high blood pressure and heart palpitations.

Nervous System

This herb is also good for the nervous system in helping calm and relax, especially in stressful situations. Motherwort seems to help alleviate tension and irritability.

Female Issues

From the name, we know that motherwort is also the herb for women. It helps with PMS, fertility, painful menstruation, hot flashes, lack of menses and delayed menstruation. By toning the uterus, it helps to prevent cramping.

Other Benefits

Motherwort also helps those in pain from MS, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and other nerve conditions.

Benefits of Motherwort for Calming the Heart and Relieving Anxiety

When we talk about the heart in modern times we most often think of the muscle in our chest that is responsible for pumping blood throughout our bodies. In older times, and for many herbalists today, however, the heart is more commonly associated with emotional and spiritual qualities.

Benefits of Motherwort for Fevers and Other Respiratory Ailments

Historically, motherwort was used for intermittent fever diseases such as typhoid. 4 Peter Holmes recommends it for bronchitis, coughing with white sputum, and wheezing. 5

Benefits of Motherwort for Edema and Kidney Stagnation

Motherwort strengthens the kidneys and acts as a mild diuretic. It can be used for edema that is associated with kidney insufficiency. 6

Benefits of Motherwort for Increasing the Appetite

Motherwort is extremely bitter and, like most bitter herbs, it can help stimulate digestion. Consider combining it with other pleasantly aromatic mints in a tincture and using a few drops before meals. It is especially indicated for loss of appetite due to anxiety or nervousness.

Common Motherwort Combination

Motherwort is commonly used in formulas, depending on its intended use. Here are some common combinations:

Motherwort Uses

If harvesting motherwort yourself, consider using gloves – it can be quite spiky!

Motherwort Side Effects

Many herbalists caution against using motherwort if there is menstrual flooding.

Overview

Motherwort is a plant. The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.

Uses & Effectiveness

Sleep. Some research suggests taking a combination of motherwort, valerian, hops, and lemon balm by mouth before bed improves sleep in alcohol abusers going through withdrawal.

Side Effects

Motherwort is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth appropriately. Side effects include diarrhea, stomach irritation, uterine bleeding, sleepiness, and allergic reactions. Contact with the skin can cause rashes and increased sensitivity to the sun.

Interactions

Sedative medications (CNS depressants) Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of motherwort depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for motherwort. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Motherwort Plant Info

Motherwort plant info lists its other common names of cowthwort, lion’s ear, and lion’s tail. Motherwort herb growing in the wild appears as a sturdy stemmed perennial of up to 5 feet (1.5 m.) tall with pink to pale purple clustered flowers of six to 15 axils, or spaces between the leaf and stem, and prickly sepals.

Motherwort Uses

The genus of motherwort’s botanical name of Leonurus cardiaca, is descriptive of its ragged edged leaves, which resemble the tip of a lion’s tail.

How to Care for Motherwort Plants

Provided that after reading my repeated commentary regarding how invasive motherwort is, you still wish to grow your own, the “how to” care for motherwort is very simple. Motherwort is an extremely hardy weed or herb, depending upon who you ask and only requires sun to light shade, most any soil type and enough water to keep moist.

What Is Motherwort Used for?

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Selection & Preparation

Possible Side Effects

Contraindications