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 on, 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 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 with 30-50g of flower clusters and leaves per liter of water, drinking three or four cups a day.
- Fluid extract: Ten drops, three times a day.
- Washing wounds with the same infusion employed for internal use.
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]
