Motherwort

Motherwort – Leonurus cardiaca

Motherwort is a perennial plant in the mint family, originally from Central Asia but now found worldwide.  It was traditionally used in Central Europe, Asia and North America to promote longevity and as a heart tonic.  It has been used to help blood circulation,lower cholesterol, slow a rapid heart rate, and relieve stress from the heart muscles.  Motherwort contains the alkaloid leonurine which helps relax smooth muscles.  Midwives use motherwort to help prevent uterine infections.  It is also used for regulating menstruation, intestinal gas, and overactive thyroid.   It should be avoided if pregnant, since it can stimulate the uterus and may cause a miscarriage.

Motherwort Leonurus cardiaca, known as motherwort, is an herbaceous perennial plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. Other common names include throw-wort, lion’s ear, and lion’s tail. Lion’s tail also being a common name for Leonotis leonurus, and lion’s ear, a common name for Leonotis nepetifolia. Originally from Central Asia and southeastern Europe, it is now found worldwide, spread largely due to its use as a herbal remedy.

Safety: Do not use during pregnancy. Due to the presence of cardiac alkaloids, do not use this herb internally without medical supervision if you have a heart condition or take pharmaceutical medications to control blood pressure.

Country of origin: Eastern Europe