Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
Motherwort in our garden.
Medicinal Uses of Motherwort
Motherwort is full of fiercely loving magic! “Wort” refers to healing herbs, and “mother” doesn’t really need an explanation. And, indeed, Motherwort can be a great support for mothers, as long as they are not pregnant or breastfeeding. But this beautiful plant beloved by bees and other things that buzz is not just for mothers or humans with wombs.
Motherwort for the Heart
Its scientific name reveals even more of its magic. Leonurus cardiaca means “lionhearted,” and it speaks to Motherwort’s power as a heart tonic. In her book The Herbal Apothecary, JJ Pursell describes motherwort as a tonic traditionally used to “calm the heart and the nerves surrounding it.” It may help new blood vessels grow, and, when taken several times a day in tincture form, can “lower blood pressure, improve heart action, and strengthen electrical activity in the heart.” People on heart medication or prescription sedatives are advised not to take Motherwort.
Motherwort for Inner Peace
In addition to supporting the heart muscle, motherwort is an excellent ally to our nervous system and metaphorical heart. I like to put it in calming blends and love potions because it helps my heart relax and open. It also blends well with other soothing herbs like Passion Flower, Lemonbalm, Saint John’s Wort, and Lavender for an anti-anxiety tonic.
Stripped Motherwort.
Motherwort for the Uterus
But wait! There’s more! Motherwort has an affinity for the reproductive system and helps tone the uterus, bring on menstruation, and ease cramps. It’s also particularly helpful for hot flashes and mood swings for folks going through menopause.
Motherwort for Fevers
Finally, Motherwort is a diaphoretic, which means that it stimulates sweating, opens the pores, and reduces fevers, so it’s a good one to turn to when you’ve got a nasty bug.
Identifying Motherwort
Motherwort doesn’t grow wild in our Southern Oregon home, so we planted a small patch on our farm. It’s easy to grow from seed. A perennial member of the mint family, Motherwort is quite intent on living big and spreading hardily, so it’s wise to plant with its big life-force energy in mind. Motherwort grows up to six feet tall and puts out tiny pink or purple-ish flowers growing up the stem.
Motherwort’s sharp seed balls form along the stem at the same time the plant is flowering, so I always wear gloves to avoid pain when I am working with Motherwort. Its spikes remind me that we can cultivate an open, calm heart and hold healthy boundaries at the same time. Motherwort creates boundaries to protect her seed, so when I work with Motherwort, she reminds me to protect the most precious parts of myself, as well.
Motherwort in its drying rack.
Motherwort Potions
I learned by making an unpalatable tea that Motherwort is quite bitter to taste, so most folks prefer to use it in tincture form. I like to make a batch of fresh herb tincture and dry a bunch more. If we run out of tincture, we can make a dried herb tincture. Or, if we find ourselves with a fever, we’ll make ourselves some Motherwort tea and mask its taste with an abundance of mint!
If you’d like to make your own Motherwort tincture, we’ve got a simple recipe for you here! And if you’d like to skip the extra work and support a couple herb-farming artists, you can simply buy some at our online shop!
May your heart be wide open and free. May your boundaries be beautiful and clear.
Disclaimer
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.