MOTHERWORT

Leonurus cardiaca

Overview

Several species exists throughout the American and European continents and their therapeutic value is similar.
Medicinally, mothewort is recognized as a nervine (nerve tonic), diaphoretic (enhances perspiration), antispasmodic (calms nerves and muscular spasms), and emmenagogue (regulates Menstruation).

In vitro and animal studies, motherwort was found to be a promising agent against several types of cancers such as lymphocytic leukemia, human lung carcinoma, mammary tumors and human Colon Cancer.

Mood Enhancement

This herb is supposed to bring good disposition, according to English herbologist M. Grieves: “Old writers, tell us that there is no better herb for strengthening and gladdening the heart..” She also quotes Culpepper’s contention that the herb makes “the mind cheerful, blithe and merry.”  This effect may be due to its scientifically established nerve tonic action.
Among its other historical uses (some of which by native Americans) are: insomnia, rheumatism, Goiter, epilepsy, and high Blood pressure

Heart Palpitation, Anxiety Attacks, Nervous Disorders

The sedative (nervine) action of the herb, claimed by the herb’s historical use was demonstrated scientifically well enough for the Commission E, the official German herbal pharmacopaea,  to recommend it to the public.  Nervous conditions and heart abnormalities caused by anxiety are likely to benefit from motherwort.  The Commission also recommends this herb as complementary to hyperthyroidism treatment.

Some yet inconclusive  scientific studies show that alkaloids in the plant support the popular use by depressing the central nervous system, lowering the Blood pressure and having direct beneficial action on the heart. The herb was found to have a blood thinning effect, and this may be one of the action that explains its value against hypertension.

Older scientific data on the herb’s neurological and cardiac properties are based on studies by Chinese researchers of an extract called leonurin from Leonurus sibiricus, an herb very closely related to Leonurus cardiaca.   Motherwort and its various compounds appear to be widely researched in Europe. 

High Blood pressure and anti-clotting

Motherwort is being used as an anti-clotting agent as well as in the inflammation of the prostate. The blood thinning effect may in itself lower the Blood pressure, however, scientific research show that compounds in motherwort have a direct beneficial effect on the heart.

Female Reproductive System

The use of the herb against all sorts of uterine conditions is widely recorded.  On this continent, the nineteenth century American physicians have learned from the native Americans the use of motherwort in gynecological disorders. Two of the plant’s alkaloids, leonurine and stacydrine, were studied scientifically and found to be promising agents in menstrual disorders. Another scientific study found proof of the antispasmodic effect of the whole herb.

Plant description

Its Latin name, Leonorus, means lion’s tale.  Motherwort has a perennial root that yields a 2 to 3 feet high stalk.  Its prickly flowers which blossom from May to August, are pink, white and purple, and grow in clusters.  Motherwort grows easily in the wild, or in a garden with no special maintenance.  When intended for medicinal purpose, it is usually cut and dried during the blossoming time.

What’s Made Of

Among the many chemical  components of motherwort are various alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and citric, malic and oleic acids, as well as bitter principles.  One of its flavonoids, Quercetin was subject of studies in which it was found to have wide therapeutic properties such as strengthening of blood vessels and preventing inflammatory responses from allergies.  It also appears to inhibit  replication of viruses such as Herpes, polio and Epstein-Barr. Another compound in motherwort, ursolic Acid, was found in several studies to have antitumor, cardiac and antiviral properties.