Medicinal Plants : Leonurus cardiaca

Name

Motherwort

Biological Name

Leonurus cardiaca
Labiatae

Other Names

Motherwort, Lions Tail, lion's ear, throwwort

Parts Used

Aerial parts

Active Compounds

Iridoids: leonuride and others not yet identified.

Diterpenes of the labdane type, such as leocardin, a mixture of two epimers of 8b-acetoyx-9a, l3a, l5, l6-bisepoxy-l5-hydroyx-7-oxo- labdan-6b, l9-olide.

Flavonoids; rutin, quinqueloside, genkwanin, quercitin, quercetrin, isoquercetrin, hyperoside, and apigenin and kaempferol glucosides.

Caffeic acid 4-rutinoside.

Remedies For

Nervine, emmenagogue, anti-spasmodic, hepatic, cardiac tonic, hypotensive.

Motherwort is used for menstrual and uterine conditions as well as in heart and circulation treatments. It is valuable in the stimulation of delayed or suppressed menstruation, especially where there is anxiety or tension involved. It is a good relaxing tonic for aiding in menopausal changes. Eases false labor pains.

An excellent tonic for the heart, strengthening without straining. It is considered to be a specific in cases of tachycardia (heart palpitations), especially when brought about by anxiety and other such causes. It may be used in all heart conditions that are associated with anxiety and tension. Chinese research referred to in Potters Cyclopedia found that it both reduced blood platelet aggregation and decreased levels of blood lipids.

Combinations : May be freely combined in any prescription, especially with Hawthorn

Description

Found throughout Europe.

Dosage

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1-2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

Tincture: take 1-4ml of the tincture three times a day.

Safety

No information available. Some herbs are known to react with your medication. Please consult your physician before starting on any herb.