Motherwort

Sep 2

I have been SO excited to share Motherwort with you. She is the perfect ally to deepen our journey of REPARENTING. And such a nourishing herb for our hearts (physical and emotional), depleted nervous systems (we could use ALL the support we can get these days) and reproductive systems (menopause, painful periods, PMS, etc.) One of my mentors sips on Motherwort tea to support her social anxiety.

Below are some of my fav aspects of Motherwort and my fav recipes/ways to work with this beautiful herb.

Motherwort: Leonurus cardiaca

Leaves and Flowering Tops

Medical Actions and Uses:

Cardiovascular and Nervous System: Motherwort’s name Leonurus cardiaca gives clue to its medicine. Leon means ‘Lion’ in Greek, and cardica means ‘heart.’ Motherwort is a relaxing, grounding tonic that both brings lion-like strength and courage to the heart. It is an excellent heart tonic for both the physical and emotional heart. It helps to build courage and confidence to restore someone who is depleted, worn out and lost heart.

Motherwort helps to ground and strengthen when the nervous system is run down to the point of nervous exhaustion, and where the person is jumpy, fearful and cannot sleep.

Motherwort as a common name indicates that the herb is for mothers. The tern mother was often used when referring to the womb. Motherwort is a nervine tonic and known as the “herb to mother mothers.” It supports and nourishes those who energy is depleted and who nervous system is depleted fromloobking after others at the expense of their own energy.

It is a great support when there is a need to lower high blood pressure, and it helps protect the heart and blood vessels.

Reproductive System: Excellent nourishing tonic for menopause. It helps to reduce anxiety, treat insomnia, and reduce palpitations associated with menopausal change.

The herb is quite bitter and this flavour acts on the liver, which is very important to support during hormonal change. The liver tonic action of the herb helps regain hormonal balance and lift heavy, depressive energy.

Motherwort is indicated in PMS if it is accompanied by anxiety and depression, insomnia and withdrawal. It is also helpful in painful periods especially where there is anxiety and constriction of the tissues.

Key Actions:

Grounding relaxant, Nervine tonic, Cardiotonic, Bitter, Antispasmodic, Carminative, Diaphoretic

Energetics:

Cooling to overheated tissues, Astringing, Toning, Balancing, relaxing to overstimulated or constricted tissues

Contraindication: Pregnancy (can be uterine stimulant)

Preparations:

TEA

My favourite way to take motherwort is as a tea (called an infusion in the herbalist world.) 1 tsp dried herb per cup of boiling 1-2x per day. Steep covered for 10 minutes. Motherwort is quite bitter, so I recommend taking with other sweeter herbs or adding honey!

Tea Recipe: A calming, relaxing and nourishing nervous system support for those who feel depleted. Equal parts:

-Motherwort

-Lemon Balm

-Oatstraw

-Rose Petals

*Use 2 tsp of herb formula per cup of boiling water. Step covered for 10-15 minutes. Drink as needed.