“29 Proven Health Benefits of Motherwort”

“Wonderful for Anxiety and Heart Palpitations”

Motherwort grows all over the world and especially in the US. And it has been used extensively for anxiety and heart palpitations from stress. Plus Motherwort has been used safely and effectively since 100 AD and has lots of uses.

Where it Grows - Motherwort grows all over the US, Europe, and in Asia. Motherwort grows just about anywhere in the world. It grows in open lots and grows in bright sun with good soil and lots of water. And it grows to about 15 inches tall with pinkish flowers. And the roots can be used for planting and also the seeds.

Other Names - Also called Leonurus cardiaca, or Lions Tail, Lions Ear, and Throw-Wort. Also Herzgespann in German, hjertespand in Danish, agripaume cardiaque in French, agripalma in Spanish. It is said that the Greeks gave motherwort to pregnant women who had anxiety thus the name “Motherwort” or “Mother Herb”.

Parts Used - The leaves, stems, and seeds are used for making powders, extracts, and tinctures.

Taste - Bitter

Great for Panic Attacks and Anxiety - Motherwort works well for anxiety and stress and has a similar effect to that of valerian… and motherwort is sometimes used in combination with valerian.

Helps with Insomnia - Motherwort is soothing and relaxing and thus works well to promote restful sleep.

Calms Heart Palpitations - Anyone with heart palpitations caused by stress will feel great taking motherwort. Motherwort has a mild antispasmodic effect on the heart.

Anti-inflammatory - Motherwort is also a good anti-inflammatory agent and works well for swollen tonsils, joints, and arthritis.

Lowers Blood Pressure - Motherwort also helps to lower blood pressure and thus helps to prevent kidney disease. And it works very well for high blood pressure caused by stress.

Cardio Tonic - Motherwort is a mild diuretic and has been used as a tonic for strengthening the cardiovascular system.

Helps with Hyperthyroidism - Studies show that Motherwort also helps lower thyroid function… this is probably caused by reducing stress because stress causes thyroid challenges.

Lowers Cholesterol - This herb also works well for lowering cholesterol or LDL or bad cholesterol thus preventing heart attacks.

Antioxidants - Motherwort also contains lots of Vitamins A and C which boost up the immune system.

Vasodilator for Asthma and Bronchitis - Motherwort is also a mild vasodilator that opens up the lungs.

Helps with PMS and Cramps - Motherwort has been used for centuries for getting rid of cramps, toning the uterus, and for treating anxiety during monthly cycles. And motherwort also promotes regular menstrual cycles.

Great for Menopause - Motherwort can be used in combination with bugleweed, kava kava, and black cohosh for treating menopause.

Great for Getting Rid of Afterbirth - Motherwort has long been used to expel the afterbirth after child bearing. Sometimes a mother’s afterbirth is retained and this can lead to complications but motherwort expels the afterbirth. Plus motherwort also heals the uterus after childbirth.

Can Promote or Inhibit Uterine Contractions - High doses of motherwort reduces uterine contractions, while low doses promote uterine contractions.

Increases Circulation - In China studies show that motherwort increases circulation.

Skin Conditions and Shingles - Motherwort also works well for treating eczema, psoriasis, and the irritation of shingles.

Mild Diuretic - Motherwort helps with edema and water retention as a mild diuretic.

Aids Digestion - All bitter agents like motherwort help to soothe away digestive problems.

Contains - Motherwort contains flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, citric acid, terpenoids, malic acid, oleic acid, carbohydrates, fenolglykoside, and choline.

TCM - In Traditional Chinese Medicine Motherwort is used for healing edema and for promoting the growth of new tissue.

Immune Boosting - Motherwort also contains lots of antioxidants that boost up the immune system and thus help to prevent disease.

Shows the Stress Connection - Almost all of these health challenges are in some way related to stress… and thus motherwort shows us just how stress and anxiety can cause challenges in every area of the body.

Dose - Most recommend taking 2 to 4 grams of the powder 3 times a day. As a tincture take 2 to 6 ml 3 times a day.

Forms - The plant can be found around your house. Plus dried whole herb for teas, powders, tinctures, extracts, and capsules can be found online.

Finding - And motherwort can be found on Amazon and eBay and they ship world wide. And if you google “Buy Motherwort Herb” lots of places that sell motherwort will come up. And most health food stores carry motherwort.

Side Effects - In general motherwort should not be used by those who are, pregnant, nursing and small children… or if you are having surgery because it can increase internal bleeding. But in general, Motherwort is very safe and has been used for centuries.

Remember - Remember all herbs should only be used for 7 to 10 days, because like medications they place a burden on our liver, kidneys, and nervous system so use them lovingly.

Try Motherwort

Dr. Paul Haider - Master Herbalist