What is Motherwort?

Motherwort is the cut and sifted dried aerial parts of Leonurus cardiaca, a tall perennial in the mint family (Lamiaceae) native to Eurasia and now widely naturalized. In English it is also called Lion's Tail.

About the plant

The botanical name tells the herb's story: Leonurus means "lion's tail," from the shape of the leaves, while cardiaca refers to the heart. The plant has palmately lobed leaves and small pink-purple flowers arranged in whorls along the stem, and it carries parallel documented traditions in both Western and Chinese herbalism. Its characteristic compound is the alkaloid leonurine.

Motherwort: form & sizes

We carry Motherwort as cut and sifted dried aerial parts, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Motherwort in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Motherwort at a glance

Botanical name

Leonurus cardiaca

Family

Lamiaceae

Native region

Eurasia

Plant part

aerial parts

Also known as

Lion's Tail

Characteristic compound

Leonurine

Sourcing

Wildcrafted

Form

cut and sifted dried aerial parts

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb