Motherwort
Leonurus cardiaca
益母草
Pinyin: Yì Mǔ Cǎo
Plant Family
Lamiaceae
Part Used
Aerial parts (flowering tops)
Origin
Europe, Asia; naturalized in North America
Safety Level
Caution
Overview
Motherwort is a member of the mint family with a long history of use for both heart conditions and women's health issues. Its botanical name, Leonurus cardiaca, means "lion-hearted" and refers to its traditional use for heart palpitations and anxiety. Motherwort is also a primary herb for menstrual regulation and postpartum recovery in both Western and Chinese herbalism.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties
Nature (四气)
cool
Flavors (五味)
bitter, pungent
Meridians (归经)
heart, liver, uterus
Health Benefits
Traditional Uses
- Heart palpitations and tachycardia (especially nervous/anxiety-related)
- Anxiety and stress with heart symptoms
- Menstrual irregularities and PMS
- Postpartum recovery (afterpains, bleeding regulation)
- Menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, palpitations)
- High blood pressure (nervous origin)
- Insomnia with racing heart
Active Constituents
The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:
Usage & Dosage
How to Use
Tea, tincture, extract, capsule, tablet. Best taken during the day (not before bed - may be stimulating for some people despite being calming).
Suggested Dosage
Tincture: 2–4 mL 2–3x/day (can take more frequently for acute palpitations); tea: 1 tsp dried herb per cup, 2–3x/day (very bitter - mix with honey or mint); capsules: 500 mg 2–3x/day. For menstrual regulation: start taking 1 week before period is due. For heart palpitations: dose can be repeated every 30–60 minutes during acute episodes.
Quality & Storage
Harvest Season
Aerial parts (flowering tops) are harvested during summer when the plant is in full bloom (June–August). Harvest just as flowers open for maximum potency. Cut the upper 1/3 of the plant. Gather on a dry, sunny morning after dew has dried.
Quality Indicators
Dried herb: green to gray-green color, mostly leaves and flowers, strong aromatic slightly minty-bitter scent. The flowers and leaves are the most potent parts. Motherwort tea is characteristically very bitter. Quality can be assessed by green color and bitterness (more bitter = more alkaloids). Avoid material that is mostly stems or has browned.
Storage
Dried herb: airtight container in cool dark place, 1–2 years. Tincture: 3–5 years. Protect from light and heat which degrade alkaloids.
Safety Information
Contraindications
Pregnancy (uterine stimulant - can cause contractions - AVOID DURING PREGNANCY)Breastfeeding (may affect milk supply - use cautiously or avoid)Heavy menstrual bleeding (may increase flow - use cautiously and with guidance)Uterine fibroids or endometriosis (may worsen - use with practitioner guidance)Heart conditions with medication (use only under medical supervision - may interact)Low blood pressure (may lower further)Surgery (stop 2 weeks before)Children (not recommended)
Possible Side Effects
- Generally well-tolerated at recommended doses
- Mild digestive upset (nausea, diarrhea) - especially with tea (very bitter)
- Increased menstrual flow (in some women)
- Allergic reaction (rare - mint family allergy)
- Drowsiness (in some people - opposite effect from stimulation)
- Insomnia or stimulation (in some people - individual variation)
- Headache (rare)
- Skin rash (rare)
Drug Interactions
- Heart medications (beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, digoxin - may enhance effects - MONITOR with doctor)
- Blood pressure medications (may lower blood pressure further - monitor)
- Blood thinners (anticoagulants) - may increase bleeding risk (mild)
- Sedatives and CNS depressants (may enhance drowsiness - mild)
- Hormone therapies (may interact - uterine effects)
- Anticoagulants (mild effect)
- MODERATE-SIGNIFICANT interaction potential for those with heart conditions
Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.
References & Research
Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.
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