Motherwort: the plant for the heart and psycho-physical relaxation

Published on July 13, 2021 - Medicinal Plants

Leonurus cardiaca L., belonging to the Lamiaceae family (formerly Labiateae), was already known to the Greeks for its effects on the heart. During the Middle Ages, it was cultivated in monastery gardens. Historically, Motherwort was used for uterine infections and pregnancy-related stress.

Its English name, Motherwort (mother’s grass), suggests its effectiveness in cases of menstrual irregularities, uterine contractions during pregnancy, and menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, hypertension, insomnia, and more.

This perennial herb, reaching a height of 60-120 cm, emits a strong, pungent, and unpleasant odor. Originally from Asia, it is now widespread in Northern Italy, thriving on ruins, uncultivated land, roadsides, and hedges.

It has a tall stature and an erect posture with large five-lobed leaves. The small, pale pink flowers are gathered in axillary whorls, surrounded by a noticeable hairiness, particularly around the flower parts.

The utilized parts are the flowers and leaves.

Key constituents include leonurine (a bitter substance), some alkaloids (stachydrine, betonicine, turicine), glucosides (with hypotensive action), tannins, saponins, essential oil, minerals, resins, and fats.

Motherwort is recommended for regulating cardiovascular functions, menstrual cycle disorders, and promoting mental relaxation and well-being.

It acts on the muscular layer of blood vessels and myocardial muscle cells.

It exhibits anti-inflammatory and hypotensive properties, partially reducing thyroid activity in hyperthyroidism.

It is beneficial for palpitations, anxiety, dyspnea, irregular heartbeat, angina pectoris, cardiac oppression from metabolic system issues, and symptoms of Roemheld syndrome.

Its sedative action is likened to that of Valerian. It is often combined with mild sedatives (Melissa, Hops, St. John’s Wort) in the form of herbal tea.

Pharmacological applications include amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea, menopause, hypertension (especially associated with hyperthyroidism), insomnia, and atony.

Pharmacological studies have confirmed its antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities, as well as its effects on the heart and circulatory system. Clinical studies have demonstrated its sedative and hypotensive effects.

Contraindications: hypotension, hypothyroidism, and pregnancy.