Motherwort Effects

Motherwort smells pungent and has a bitter taste; however, its medicinal properties have been used for centuries. Most likely named because it is known primarily to ease childbirth and gives relief to feminine disorders, motherwort has many other beneficial uses that may help you find relief from menstruation to headaches, fainting, fever and generalized anxiety.

Facts

• Motherwort, also known as Lion's Ear, Lion's Tail and Lion's Tart, has the scientific name Leonurus cardiaca. Originally found in Europe, motherwort can be found in North America from Nova Scotia and Montreal, Canada to North Carolina and Texas, the U.S. as well as in Asia. Historically, motherwort has been used medicinally by the Greeks and Romans, and by the Cherokee Indians.

Benefits

• Motherwort is commonly used to treat conditions of the womb and feminine reproductive disorders, and can also be used for headaches. Used mainly for childbirth, motherwort has a calming effect during labor and can prevent miscarriage. It can also relieve false labor pains. As an intensifier of the heart, motherwort has also been recommended to treat heart palpitations and arrhythmias. You may also find relief for generalized stress and anxiety by using this herb.

Dosage

• "If taken regularly three times a day during the last few weeks of pregnancy, motherwort induces more synchronized retrenchments of the uterus," states Herbs 2000. About 10 to 30 g of powdered motherwort is recommended daily by Herbalpedia for maximum relief. For relief of premenstrual symptoms, 15 to 40 drops of motherwort tincture should be taken daily and maximum benefits will be seen within 2 to 6 months. You may also find relief by using teas, syrups and concoctions.

Identification

• Motherwort is a perpetual plant that grows up to 5 ft. The leaves of the motherwort plant resemble a lion's tail with their hairy and disheveled appearance, and grow in groups of three around the stem. "The herb bears pink, white or purple colored petite flowers that normally blossom between June and September," states Herbs 2000. These flowers grow in clusters and the stems are prickly. When not in bloom, motherwort resembles mugwort according to Mrs. M. Grieve.

Warnings

• Do not take if you suffer from low blood pressure. Talk with your regular health care provider to avoid drug interactions. Do not take if you suffer from heavy menstrual flow since motherwort will intensify uterine bleeding. If you suffer from clotting disorders, do not take motherwort. Touching the leaves may cause you to have skin dermatitis. If you are pregnant, check with your health care provider to verify the safety of motherwort.