Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

Dried aerial parts of Leonurus cardiaca, Motherwort. The Latin name reflects the herb's traditional double reputation: "Leonurus" means "lion-hearted" (from Latin leo, lion + Greek oura, tail - for the leaf shape) and "cardiaca" refers to the heart, reflecting the traditional Western use for cardiac and emotional heart support. The English name "Motherwort" reflects the parallel traditional use for women's reproductive wellness.

Key Facts

Botanical name

Leonurus cardiaca

Family

Lamiaceae (mint family)

Common names

Motherwort, Lion's Tail (English translation of Leonurus)

Native region

Eurasia; widely naturalized

Studied compounds

Leonurine, stachydrine, alkaloids, iridoid glycosides

Traditional uses

Heart support, calming nervine, women's wellness, traditional menopausal support

What is Motherwort?

Motherwort is a tall perennial herb in the mint family with palmately lobed leaves and small pink-purple flowers in whorls along the stem. The plant has parallel traditions of use in Western and Chinese herbalism. In Western herbalism, Motherwort has a centuries-old reputation as a nervine for the heart - supporting both the physical heart (traditional cardiac use) and the emotional heart (calming during stress and anxiety). The English common name reflects the parallel traditional use for women's reproductive wellness and traditional menopausal support.

How to Use Motherwort

Tea: steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb per 8 oz cup in hot water for 10 minutes; strain. The flavor is intensely bitter. Tincture (more common preparation): alcohol extracts the alkaloids well. Combines with: hawthorn (for traditional heart support), passion flower (for calming), and dong quai (for traditional women's wellness).

Safety Information

Motherwort is not recommended during pregnancy (traditional uterine-stimulating effects). Can interact with cardiac and blood-thinning medications; consult a healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Motherwort used for?
Traditional Western herbal support for the heart (cardiac and emotional) and for women's reproductive wellness, particularly traditional menopausal support.

Why is it called "Lion-Hearted"?
The Latin "Leonurus cardiaca" translates roughly as "lion-tailed heart-herb" - referencing the leaf shape and the heart-supporting reputation.

Is Motherwort safe during pregnancy?
No; traditional uterine-stimulating effects.

How does Motherwort compare to Hawthorn?
Both are traditional Western herbs for cardiac support but with different characters. Motherwort is more nervine; Hawthorn is more circulatory tonic. They blend well together.

What does Motherwort taste like?
Intensely bitter, characteristic of the species.

Why are tinctures preferred over tea?
The intense bitterness of tea preparation; tincture delivers measured dosing without the taste challenge.

This product has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.