The motherwort plant has been grown in the gardens of monasteries since the 15th century and was highly appreciated all over Europe, being regarded even as a universal healing plant. Later, this was the reason it became discredited. Today, though its role in phytotherapy is not outstanding, it is still a helpful plant.
Healing Properties and Warning
The entire plant contains an essential oil, a bitter component (leonurine), an alkaloid (leonurinine), glycosides, and tannins. It has the following properties:
- Cardiotonic and sedative: Strengthens the heart muscle, calms nervous tachycardia, and palpitations. It is recommended for people suffering from hypertension and angina pectoris.
- Emmenagogue: The alkaloid it contains stimulates contractions of the uterus and promotes menstrual flow. It is used in dysmenorrhea (menstruation disorders).
- Astringent due to its content of tannin and carminative (eliminates gases and intestinal flatulence).
- Cicatrizant: Motherwort infusions are used to clean and cure wounds.
Motherwort is mainly used for stomach gas, cramps, and nervous heart problems. For best results, combine equal parts motherwort, calendula, and cramp bark. It works well in treating the pain associated with childbirth, suppressed menstruation, amenorrhea, and other female problems. Also, it can be combined with hawthorn berries for an excellent antispasmodic and heart tonic.
The herb can be used to prevent neuralgia, pericarditis, palpitations, and heart attack. It is beneficial for congestion of respiratory passages, goiter, and shortness of breath. The herb can also be employed as a remedy for vaginitis, menopausal symptoms, headache, thyroid, suppressed urine, rheumatism, fevers, vertigo, and insomnia. Generally, it possesses properties like valerian and can be used like it.
In Germany, herb extracts have been approved for treating nervous heart conditions and hyperthyroidism as a supportive treatment. The leaf constituent leonurine is a uterine tonic. It is well documented in the laboratory and clinical reports that the Chinese species have been used similarly.
WARNING: Contact with motherwort may cause dermatitis in certain people.
Motherwort Plant Scientific Facts
- Other names: Lion’s ear, lion’s tail, Roman Motherwort, throwwort.
- French: Agripaume, cardiaque.
- Spanish: Cola de leon, agripalma.
- Environment: Not typical in Europe and North America.
- Description: Vivacious plant of the Labiatae family, growing from 60 to 120 cm high. Large, petiolate, palm-shaped leaves with pink or purple flowers.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally: Flower clusters and fresh leaves.
How to use Motherwort
- Infusion
- Fluid extract
- Washing wounds with the same infusion employed for internal use.
Infusion: Steep for five to fifteen minutes and take six ounces three to four times daily. Tincture: Take thirty to sixty drops ½ to one teaspoon three to four times daily. Fluid Extract: Take ½ to one teaspoon three to four times daily. Powder: Take five to ten #0 capsules (30 to 60 grains) three to four times daily.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. Vols. 1 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 224. Print. [motherwort plant]
- Vance Ferrell Harold M. Cherne, M.D. The Natural Remedies Encyclopedia [Book]. – Altamont, TN: Harvestime Books, 2010. – Vol. Seventh Edition: 7: pp. 168, 169.
