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Herbal Glossary | Medicinal Glossary | Herbal Preparations | Ayervedic Formulas | Chinese Formulas MotherwortContents:Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) & Culture | Where Found | Medicinal Properties | Biochemical Information
Scientific Names
Common Names
Parts Usually UsedFlowering tops, leaves
Description of Plant(s) and CultureMotherwort is a softly hairy perennial plant 3-5 feet high; the rootstock produces several erect, branched, square, hollow, grooved stems, often tinged with red-violet. The opposite, downy leaves are 3 to 7 lobed and sharply incised. Axillary whorls of bristly, two-lipped, red-purple, pink or white flowers appear from June to September. Unlike most plants in the mint family, motherwort has leaves that are strongly cleft or divided, not simple. The tiny pinkish flowers with furry upper lips are in whorls, in leaf axils makes a long leafy flower spike.
Where FoundFound mainly in the northern part of the United States and all over Europe, in waste places, vineyards, and along fences and paths. Native to Europe and the Far East, naturalized in other countries.
Medicinal PropertiesAntispasmodic, astringent, carminative, calmative, cardiac, emmenagogue, hepatic, laxative, nervine, stomachic, tonic, uterine stimulant
Biochemical InformationBitter principle, bitter glycosides, leonurin, alkaloids (including stachydrine), tannin, essential oil, resin, organic acids, volatile oil, vitamin A
Legends, Myths and StoriesOrientals ascribe to motherwort the power of prolonged life. According to Chinese legend, an emperor who at age seven assumed the throne was alarmed by predictions that he would not live to double that age. After an extensive search for a remedy to prolong life, he chose a brew made from motherwort. Drinking this every day, he lived past age 70. Another legend tells of a youth banished for a minor crime to a valley where the only water supply was in contact with a large amount of motherwort plants. Because he drank this water daily, the youth lived three centuries. This herb probably derived its name from the fact that it has been used medicinally to prevent miscarriage.
UsesMotherwort is most commonly used for nervous heart problems, heart flutters, cardiac edema, and for stomach gas and cramps. It has also been given for menopausal problems, shortness of breath, goiter, cramps and delayed or stopped menses, PMS, menopause, and congestion of respiratory passages. It has been of benefit too in cases of neuritis, neuralgia, and rheumatism. Said to be a sedative, Hypotensive, used for insomnia, sciatica, spasms, kills worms, fainting, convulsions, chest colds, fevers, aids in childbirth, and stomach aches. In general, it can be used like fragrant valerian.
Formulas or DosagesInfusion: steep 1 tsp. tops or leaves in 1/2 cup water. Take 1 cup a day, unsweetened, a mouthful at a time. Decoction: boil 1 tsp. tops or leaves in 1 pint water until 1 cup liquid remains. Take 1/3 cup morning, noon, evening. Cold extract: soak 2 tsp. tops or leaves in 1 cup cold water for 8-10 hours. Take 1 cup a day. Tincture: take 9-15 drops in water, 3 or more times a day as needed. Nutrient ContentVitamin A
WarningContact with the plant may cause dermatitis in susceptible individuals. Do not use during pregnancy, it is a uterine stimulant. It may be used during labor and delivery. Seek professional supervision if pregnant or a heart condition is present.
Bibliography
Herbal Gardening, compiled by The Robison York State Herb Garden, Cornell Plantations, Matthaei Botanical Gardens of the University of Michigan, University of California Botanical Garden, Berkeley., Pantheon Books, Knopf Publishing Group, New York, 1994, first edition
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Lion’s ear
The Herb Book
, by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974.
, by Jethro Kloss; Back to Eden Publishing Co., Loma Linda, CA 92354, Original copyright 1939, revised edition 1994Copyright © 1996-2010 Lynn DeVries, all rights reserved.