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.
Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Viable Herbal Solutions is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
History and Uses:
Motherwort originally came from central Eurasia, but the plant has now spread to all temperate areas of the world, primarily as a garden plant, but also as an escaped weed. The leaves and flowers of this mint family plant are used medicinally, and in Chinese herbal medicine, the seeds are also employed. The use of Motherwort is practically the same in European folk medicine and in Traditional Chinese Medicine: to regulate menses and to treat associated conditions. The genus name, Leonurus, is derived from a Latin word, leo, meaning "lion," and a Greek word oura, meaning "tail," in reference to the leaf's shaggy shape (like a lion's tail). The species name, cardiaca, is derived from the Greek word, kardiaca, meaning "heart." A similar plant, Leonurus heterophyllus, is used in China, and the Chinese name for this plant is yi mu cao, meaning "benefit mother herb." The Japanese consider Motherwort flowers to be a drink that promotes longevity. The Japanese have a Motherwort festival on the ninth day of the ninth month called Kikousouki, and during this time, Motherwort flowers are eaten in rice and added to saki. As its Latin name, cardiaca, suggests, Motherwort has traditionally been used to treat heart conditions. ,The ancient Greeks and Romans employed Motherwort to treat heart palpitations, as well as depression, which they considered to be a problem of the heart. Centuries later, Europeans would believe Motherwort to be helpful for "infirmities of the heart," but also considered the herb to have strengthening and stimulating effects on the uterus, using it to bring on a delayed menstrual period, as an aid during labor, and to relax a woman's womb after childbirth. These uses of Motherwort also correspond well with those in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which employs another Asian variety, Leonurus artemisia, to treat menstrual disorders or to help a woman expel a dead fetus and placenta from her womb. In eastern China, women still drink a syrup made from Motherwort to promote the recovery of the uterus after childbirth; the herb has a strong bitter taste, so visitors to a recovering mother often bring along sugar as a gift. Europeans used Motherwort as a sedative as well, inducing tranquility in times of anxiety, or when there is restlessness during fevers. Germany's Commission E has authorized Motherwort for the treatment of heart disorders caused by anxiety and stress, as well as part of an overall treatment plan for an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). These two uses are linked by the fact that both stress and high levels of thyroid hormone can increase the heart rate. Motherwort is considered to be an excellent heart tonic, and research has shown that it is able to calm palpitations, tachycardia and irregular heartbeats. The primary chemical constituents of Motherwort include alkaloids (stachydrine, leonurinine), ursolic acid, flavonoids (quercetin, rutin), bitter glycosides (leonurine, leonuridin), caffeic acid, essential oil, tannins, resin, beta carotene and potassium. One component of Motherwort, ursolic acid, appears to possess antiviral and antitumor properties; however, a highly preliminary animal study suggests that Motherwort can both inhibit or stimulate the growth of breast tumors. The alkaloid, leonurine, produces central nervous depressant and hypotensive effects in animals, and stachydrine may also be involved. The glycosides have a short-term ability to lower blood pressure. Chinese research has found that this herb reduces blood platelet aggregation and can decrease levels of blood lipids.
Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) Capsules, two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.
Contraindications:
Pregnant women should avoid Motherwort, as it stimulates uterine contractions, but it may be used during labor. Those who have heart conditions should not use this herb without the advice of a physician. Motherwort may produce allergic reactions to those susceptible to dermatitis. It is not recommended for people with clotting disorders, excessive menstrual bleeding, high blood pressure or heart disease without first consulting a physician.
Capsule Information:
Our Motherwort supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules. (click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs. |
