What Is Motherwort?

Motherwort is an herb that is native to Central Asia and South Eastern Europe, and is naturalized in the United States and Canada. The flavor of motherwort tea is green and herbal, and although it is a member of the mint family, it does not have a mint flavor. Motherwort is often used in herbal medicine to bring physical and mental calmness. One of the foundational herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a variety of motherwort called yìmǔcǎo or Leonurus japonicus. This is different from the variety of motherwort which we offer, Leonurus cardiaca, however, it is closely related and both herbs have similar benefits.

How to Use Motherwort (Common Uses)

Motherwort can be taken internally as a tea, powder, capsules, or extract. It works well both on its own and when combined with other herbs. 

Medicinal Uses and Benefits of Motherwort

Motherwort is traditionally used in herbal medicine to reduce anxiety, relieve muscle spasms, tone the cardiovascular system, and to induce menstruation.

Motherwort can be used to increase circulation to the reproductive organs, and is often included in herbal medicine formulas designed to help balance hormones or reduce hyperthyroidism.

When taken internally, motherwort has a mild sedative effect on the body. It is often combined with herbs such as vervain, skullcap, and lemon balm when used in calming formulas.

Motherwort may be especially beneficial for cardiac conditions such as mild hypertension, especially if the cause is from stress or anxiety. When used for its heart-supporting benefits, motherwort is often combined with herbs such as hawthorn and linden.

As a sooth muscle relaxant, motherwort may provide benefits for all types of muscle cramps, however, it is most commonly used for menstrual cramps and vaginismus.

Active Constituents in Motherwort

Alkaloids, ursolic acid, flavonoids, querciting, iridoid glycosides, tannins, volatile oils, ursolic acid, vitamin A, vitamin C.

Notable Facts About Motherwort

Hindu folklore regales that you can bring peace to your home by adding motherwort tea to your laundry when you wash your socks and underwear.