Motherwort as an Herb

(Leonarus cardiaca)

Motherwort is a native of many parts of Europe and is often found in country gardens, where it was formerly grown for medicinal purposes, but it is rare to find it growing truly wild in England.

Medicinal Uses for Motherwort

Motherwort was commonly used to treat menstrual disorders, vaginitis, heart tonic, and has sedative and antiepileptic properties. It is also used to promote menstrual bleeding and to aid in childbirth, as well as to ease hot flashes during menopause. The herb is most potent right after flowering.

Motherwort is especially valuable (hence the name) allaying nervous irritability and relaxing the whole nervous system.

Old writers tell us that there is no better herb for strengthening the heart, and that it is good against hysterical complaints, and especially for palpitations of the heart caused from hysteria.

When made into a syrup, it will allay inward tremors, faintings, etc. There is no doubt Motherwort has proved the truth of their claims in its use as a simple tonic, not only in heart disease, neuralgia and other affections of the heart, but also in spinal disease and in recovery from fevers where other tonics are inadmissable.

Motherwort may be given in decoctions, or a strong infusion, but is very unpleasant to take that way. The infusion is made from 1 ounce of the herb to a pint of boiling water, taken in wineglassful doses.

Culinary

Generally not used for culinary purposes.

Cautions

Do not use if pregnant or nursing.

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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.