Motherwort

Energetics: Cooling, Drying, Relaxing

Actions: Emmenagogue (Encourages menses), Nervine (Supports nervous system), Hypotensive (Reduces blood pressure)

Found in: Happy Period 

Motherwort’s latin name—Leonurus cardiaca—means “lion heart”. This name seems to come from courage that many feel this herb provides. As a nervine, Motherwort has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression¹, and the herb is also known to support the cardiovascular system, helping to reduce blood pressure². Above all, and perhaps a tribute to its English name, Motherwort is known to support the female body through all stages. The herb can balance irregular menses, encourage labor, and subside menopausal symptoms^3,4,5. Its anti-anxiety effect also is known to make Motherwort a helpful plant ally throughout motherhood and other periods of life in which a courageous heart is needed.

1. Ovanesov, K. B., Ovanesova, I. M., & Arushanian, E. B. (2006). Effects of melatonin and motherwort tincture on the emotional state and visual functions in anxious subjects. Eksperimental'naia i klinicheskaia farmakologiia, 69(6), 17-19.
2. Wojtyniak, K., Szymański, M., & Matławska, I. (2013). Leonurus cardiaca L.(motherwort): a review of its phytochemistry and pharmacology. Phytotherapy Research, 27(8), 1115-1120.
3. Yingqun, X. I. O. N. G. (2014). Clinical observation of motherwort capsules for treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. J New Chin Med, 12, 055.
4. Kinder, F. J., Phillips, G., Runnels, L., Hirsch, A. M., Bunton, A., & Policy, D. What Is Motherwort Used for Today?.