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How Are You Healing Today? *Lion-Hearted*

With Motherwort, the Lion-Hearted Herb!


Motherwort (“Leonurus cardiaca”) has a long history in European and Asian traditional therapeutic systems. The ancient Greeks gave Motherwort to anxious women giving birth, and the herb received the Latin name “cardiaca” due to its tonic effect on the heart.[1] Traditional medicine practitioners consider Motherwort a powerful, well-loved herb that has been used for centuries, and often refer to it as “lion-hearted” or “strong-hearted”. Motherwort’s primary medicinal uses are for female reproductive health, hormone-induced emotional swings, heart health, including racing heartbeat and high blood pressure, helping to reduce the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, anxiety and nervousness.[1]   

Motherwort is considered a member of the mint family, however is itself quite astringent and bitter.[1] As such, it’s commonly used in tincture or capsule form, however can be made into a tea, often with a sweetener like honey added. It is also used in topical oil formulations to aide in pain relief.


The full plant has healing properties and so we find that tinctures, teas and supplements often use the stalk, leaves and flowers of the plant.

 

Healing Ally


Motherwort is considered to not be a toxic herb, and offers many beneficial compounds and nutrients, including alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, an essential oil, fatty acids, calcium, and anti-oxidants. It also is considered anti-inflammatory, analgesic (i.e. offers pain relief), nephroprotective (i.e. protects the kidneys), and antiviral.[2] These properties have been shown to be beneficial in supporting healing of many conditions, including:


  • Heart Health: Motherwort is a cardiotonic, meaning it is stimulating to the heart. It is also known to be a nervine and antispasmotic, so it helps ease heart palpitations, and irregular heartbeats, by relaxing the heart muscle and easing tension and anxiety.[3]

o   Studies are suggesting that Motherwort may be beneficial for reducing cholesterol (total and LDL) and triglyceride fatty acids, so may be beneficial for Atherosclerosis (a condition where plaques build up on the walls of the arteries and may cause blockages and strokes).[4] 

o   Research is showing that Motherwort may be helpful in supporting healthy blood circulation and may also support the growth of new blood vessels supplying the heart.[5] 

o   It is further used to aide in managing blood pressure and heart rate while increasing blood flow, which may benefit those with atrial fibrillation.[6]

o   Notably, researchers have noted that Motherwort may also increase the effects of pharmaceutical blood thinners such as Warfarin. So if taking Warfarin (or similar blood thinning, and/or anti-blood clotting pharmaceuticals) consultation with a your trusted healthcare practitioner is necessary if considering taking Motherwort.[7]

 

  • Female Reproductive Health Support: Motherwort is believed to be valuable for many female reproductive health conditions such as preventing postpartum hemorrhages (by lowering the risk of bleeding)[8], uterine cramps, delayed menstruation, hot flashes, water retention, improved libido after menopause, and mood swings.[9,10]

 

  • Reduces Anxiety and Depression: Research indicates that Motherwort may be beneficial in reducing anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and brain inflammation.[11] Leonurine, a constituent of Motherwort, has been shown in mice studies, to have anti-depressant effects, and may also decrease inflammation in the brain.[12]

 

  • Pain Relief: Motherwort is known for its pain reduction effects. Leonurine is thought to be the beneficial constituent in the pain reducing benefit of Motherwort. Motherwort is often recommended for stomach pain, pain associated with gallstones, pain associated with menstruation, and cardiac pain.[13]

 

  • Digestive Support: Motherwort is an acrid and bitter herb which helps to stimulate production of saliva, digestive juices and bile, which all contribute to the effective break down of foods. Motherwort has also been shown to relax the smooth muscles of the digestive tract and preventing spasms of the digestive tract.[14] Herbalists have also widely used Motherwort to support those healing from eating disorders such as anorexia.[15]

 

  • Hyperthyroidism Symptom Reduction: Motherwort helps bring balance to thyroid function and notably assists in reducing the symptoms of hyperthyroidism including insomnia, heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, and anxiety.[16] It is important to note that Motherwort is contraindicated for hypothyroidism though. 


Ready to Add Motherwort to Your Health-Style?

 

Motherwort can be found in dried form, tinctures, teas, and in supplements (opt for phytocaps/capsules that are vegetarian) formulated for cardiovascular support, often combined with other synergistic botanicals like Hawthorn berry, ginger, and nutrients like magnesium and taurine.


For adults, if taking Motherwort for healing, it is recommended to take Motherwort in therapeutic range of 250-500mg/day (tincture or capsule, divided doses). In a tea infusion: 1-3 tsp dried motherwort in 1 cup boiling water (10-15 mins for the infusion) 3x/day.[3]  


 

Healing Recipes

1.    Motherwort Honey:

o   This honey, using dried Motherwort and honey, is a great way to add Motherwort to your healing plan: https://theherbalacademy.com/blog/motherwort-benefits/ 

 

 2.    Motherwort Tea:

o   Try this uniquely flavourful tea using Motherwort, ginger and anise hyssop: https://www.berkeleyherbalcenter.org/benefits-of-motherwort/ 

 

3.    Motherwort Oil (topical) for Pain:

o   Try making your own pain relief oil (for topical use), using Motherwort, your favourite oil and beeswax:

  • Make a topical oil: choose your favourite oil (e.g. olive oil, hempseed oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, etc.) and using a glass jar, place the dried Motherwort herb in the jar and pour in enough oil to submerge the herb. Seal the jar tightly and shake daily for 2-3 weeks. It is ideal to keep the jar in a warm, sunny area. After 2-3 weeks, strain the herbs out using a cheesecloth. Then you are ready to use your pain relief oil (topically).

  • To make a salve: using a double boiler on your stovetop, melt a tablespoon of shaved beeswax for every 4 ounces of strained Motherwort oil over low heat. Once the beeswax is melted, stir in the Motherwort oil and pour the mixture into small glass container and allow to cool. Apply your new salve liberally to sore muscles. 


Are There Any Concerns or Cautions?


Motherwort is regarded as generally safe for adults but should be avoided during pregnancy (as it may stimulate uterine contractions), by those on cardiac medications (as it may interfere with the medications, such as blood thinners like Warfarin, and beta blockers), it is contraindicated for women with endometriosis or fibroids, women with heavy menses, and people with hypothyroidism.[17] It is important to discontinue taking Motherwort if experiencing any allergic or sensitivity reactions.

 

*It is always important to consult with your trusted healthcare practitioner prior to making any major lifestyle changes, especially if taking any medications.

 

 

 

 

 

References:

1.     Article: “Motherwort Benefits and Recipe”. The Herbal Academy. Author: Kira Merrick https://theherbalacademy.com/blog/motherwort-benefits/ 

2.     Article: “Leonurus cardiaca L. as a Source of Bioactive Compounds: An Update of the European Medicines Agency Assessment Report (2010)”. PubMed. Authors: Radu Claudiu Fierascu, et.al. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6500680/ 

3.     Article: “Motherwort”. Herbarium. https://herbarium.theherbalacademy.com/monograph/motherwort/ 

4.     Article: “Leonurine, a potential drug for the treatment of cardiovascular system and central nervous system diseases”. PubMed. Authors: Lu Huang, et.al. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7882174/ 

5.     Article: “Cardiovascular Disease”. NIH. Authors: Edgardo Olvera Lopez, et.al. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535419/ 

6.     Article: “Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation”. PubMed. Authors: Yan Dong, et.al. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5294366/ 

7.     Article: “Leonurus cardiaca L. as a Source of Bioactive Compounds: An Update of the European Medicines Agency Assessment Report (2010)”. PubMed. Authors: Radu Claudiu Fierascu, et.al. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6500680/ 

8.     Article: “Motherwort Injection for Preventing Postpartum Hemorrhage in Women with Vaginal Delivery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Evidence”. PubMed. Authors: Jiajie Yu et.al. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6632498/ 

9.     Book: “Rosemary Gladstar's Herbs for the Home Medicine Chest”. Author: Rosemary Gladstone.

10.  Article: “Motherwort”. Author: Susun S. Weed http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/July08/wisewoman.htm

11.  Article: “Effect of Leonurus cardiaca oil extract in patients with arterial hypertension accompanied by anxiety and sleep disorders”. PubMed. Authors: Alexander N Shikov et.al. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20839214/ 

12.  Article: “Leonurine Exerts Antidepressant-Like Effects in the Chronic Mild Stress-Induced Depression Model in Mice by Inhibiting Neuroinflammation”. PubMed. Authors: Miaomiao Jia, et.al. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5737563/ 

13.  Article: “Assessment report on Leonurus cardiaca L., herba”. European Medicines Agency. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/final-assessment-report-leonurus-cardiaca-l-herba_en.pdf 

14.  Article: “Motherwort: 5 Benefits, Dosage, & Safety”. The Botanical Institute. Author: Siobhan Mendicino. https://botanicalinstitute.org/motherwort/  

15.  Article: “The Earthwise Herbal, A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants”. Author: Matthew Wood https://www.matthewwoodherbs.com/Earthwise1.html 

16.  Article: “11 Supplements to Help Manage Hyperthyroidism”. Dr. Childs.com. https://www.restartmed.com/hyperthyroid-supplements/ 

  1. Article: “What Is Motherwort? Benefits, Side Effects, and Dosage”. Healthline.com. Author: Kelli McGrane, MS, RD https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/motherwort#side-effects

 
 
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