Motherwort

Leonurus cardiaca

Lamiaceae (mint family)

Common names: Motherwort, lion’s tail, throw-wort, lion’s ear

Motherwort has been an important herbal ally on my healing journey. One that has walked beside me for years through the ebbs and flows of life. In moments of emotional overwhelm, anxiety, or auto-immune disease, motherwort has offered a steadying presence, like the grounding embrace of a wise elder. It has supported my nervous system when I felt frayed, helped ease palpitations of the heart that came with anxious waves, and held me in times of grief when I couldn’t quite catch my breath. I’ve come to know its bitter taste as a kind of medicine not just for the body but for the soul, clearing, calming, and centering. As I offer this monograph, I do so with deep gratitude, hoping that others may come to know this lion-hearted herb as both a powerful physical medicine and a gentle spiritual guide.

Botanical Description

Motherwort, Leonurus cardiaca, is a perennial herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae), known for its square stem and deeply lobed, palm-shaped leaves. Its botanical name reflects both its affinity for the heart ("cardiaca") and its powerful presence—“Leonurus” meaning "lion’s tail," likely referencing the plant’s wild and upright floral form. The plant can grow up to five feet tall, bearing small pink to pale purple tubular flowers that cluster in whorls along the upper leaf axils. Its leaves are coarsely toothed, opposite, and bear a bitter, somewhat astringent aroma when crushed. Motherwort thrives in disturbed soils, roadsides, and garden edges, and is native to parts of Europe and Asia, though it has naturalized throughout North America. Harvesting is ideally done just before or during the early flowering stage, when the medicinal qualities of the aerial parts are at their peak.

Parts Used

Flowers, leaves, soft stems, seeds.

Flowers and leaves are harvested when the plant is in early bloom in mid-summer. The smaller softer stems can be used, but the harder stalks, especially from the center of the plant, should be discarded. Harvest no more than 10% of aerial parts. Cut at a node when possible, which will encourage future growth.

History & Historical Significance

Historically, motherwort has long been revered as a healing herb for women, particularly in European folk medicine. Its name speaks to this legacy, it was seen as a protector and supporter of mothers, used to ease childbirth, regulate menstruation, and relieve emotional distress tied to hormonal shifts. In ancient Greece, it was given to women experiencing anxiety after childbirth. During the Middle Ages, it was recommended by physicians like Nicholas Culpeper for conditions of the womb and heart, calling it an herb that “makes women joyful mothers.” It was also commonly planted near homes as a household remedy for both physical and emotional ailments, seen as a soothing ally in a time before modern medicine.

Traditional Use & Practice

Traditionally, motherwort has been used across many cultures to address both physical and emotional imbalances. It has a well-established reputation for supporting gynecological health, particularly by stimulating delayed or suppressed menstruation, easing menstrual cramps, and helping with symptoms during menopause such as hot flashes and irritability. Its use as a nervine—calming the nervous system without dulling the senses—makes it particularly helpful for anxiety and emotional unrest, especially when accompanied by heart palpitations or tightness in the chest. Motherwort has also been considered a mild cardiac tonic, offering support for stress-related heart symptoms. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is seen as a mover of stagnant blood and Qi, often used after childbirth to help regulate and clear the womb.

Key Constituents

The key constituents of motherwort include a range of active compounds that contribute to its therapeutic effects. Among these are alkaloids such as leonurine, which have shown activity on the cardiovascular system, including antiplatelet and uterine-stimulating effects. Iridoid glycosides like leonuride and ajugol lend the herb its bitter flavor and anti-inflammatory actions. Flavonoids such as apigenin, quercetin, provide antioxidant benefits. Volatile oils and bitter principles contribute to its nervine and digestive actions, making motherwort a multifaceted herb with a wide spectrum of influence in the body.

Herbal Actions

Motherwort is primarily known as a nervine, helping to calm anxiety, irritability, and emotional unrest. It is also an anxiolytic, offering relief from stress-induced symptoms without sedation. Its hypotensive effects may support mildly elevated blood pressure, especially when associated with tension. As a cardiotonic, motherwort gently strengthens and tones the heart muscle and rhythm, while its emmenagogue properties stimulate menstrual flow and ease uterine congestion. Additionally, it is an antispasmodic that soothes cramping and tension in the pelvic area, and a uterine tonic that brings regulation to the menstrual cycle. Motherwort’s bitter nature also gives it digestive benefits when used as a tonic before meals.

Energetics

Bitter, acrid, cooling.

Energetically, motherwort is cooling and bitter, making it particularly suitable for conditions of heat and tension. In terms of Western energetics, it addresses tissue states of constriction and stagnation—where tension is held in the heart, uterus, or nerves, and flow is restricted. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed to invigorate blood and move stagnant liver Qi, helping to resolve emotional repression or stagnation. It is also used to calm the shen (spirit), which aligns with its use for anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness. Its affinity for both the heart and womb bridges the emotional and physical layers of a person’s experience, offering a deep level of regulation.

Medical Research

Modern research has begun to validate motherwort’s traditional uses. Leonurine, a key alkaloid in the plant, has been shown to protect cardiac tissue, reduce blood pressure, and exert antioxidant effects. Studies suggest it may be useful in preventing myocardial injury and regulating heart rhythm under stress conditions. Additionally, animal models have confirmed its anxiolytic and sedative effects, supporting its use for tension-related anxiety. Research also indicates that motherwort has uterotonic effects, offering support for menstrual irregularities and postpartum care. While more human trials are needed, the current findings reflect the plant’s historical reputation as both a heart and reproductive ally.

Specific Indications

Motherwort is especially indicated for people who experience anxiety or panic with heart-centered symptoms, racing heartbeat, palpitations, or a fluttering sensation in the chest. It is also useful for premenstrual tension, menstrual cramps, delayed or irregular periods, and emotional fluctuations around menstruation or menopause. Those going through postpartum emotional transitions may find comfort in motherwort, particularly when experiencing restlessness, overwhelm, or melancholy. It’s also supportive in situations of emotional grief, heartbreak, or loss, when the heart feels both physically and emotionally burdened. Additionally, it may be used in mild cases of high blood pressure tied to nervous tension.

Magical and Ritual Use

In magical practice, motherwort has long been regarded as a protective herb, used to ward off evil spirits and promote peace. It was sometimes worn as a charm or infused into ritual baths to bring emotional stability and healing. The herb carries maternal energy and can be used in rites of passage that involve emotional transitions, menarche, childbirth, menopause, or grief work. Its connection to the heart and womb also make it a beautiful plant to include in ceremonies involving ancestral healing, inner child work, or heart-centered meditation. As a plant of lion-hearted courage and maternal strength, motherwort is often used to invoke grounding, fierce compassion, and emotional restoration.

Recommended Dosages & Recipes

Motherwort can be taken in several forms, depending on the desired use. The tincture is most commonly used, with a dosage of 1–4 mL up to three times per day. For teas, 1 teaspoon of the dried herb can be steeped in hot water for 10–15 minutes, up to three times a day—though the bitter taste may make it more palatable when blended with soothing herbs like lemon balm, rose, or chamomile. An oxymel made from tincture or strong infusion blended with apple cider vinegar and honey can make a soothing tonic for heartache or grief. One of my favorite blends is motherwort tincture with rose petals, perfect for emotional heartbreak. Postpartum sitz baths or ritual baths can include motherwort alongside yarrow, calendula, and lavender for both physical and spiritual cleansing.

Contraindications & Cautions

Motherwort should be avoided during pregnancy due to its uterine-stimulating properties. While it can be incredibly helpful postpartum, it should not be used in early pregnancy. Those with heavy menstrual bleeding should also use motherwort with caution, as it may increase flow. Because of its hypotensive and sedative actions, it may interact with medications for anxiety, blood pressure, or sleep. Sensitive individuals may experience nausea due to its bitterness, especially in tea form, so starting with small doses is advisable.

References

1. Zhang, W., et al. (2014). "Leonurine protects against cardiac hypertrophy via regulation of mitochondrial dynamics." Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity.

2. Meng, Q., et al. (2020). "Leonurine: A systematic review of its pharmacology, toxicity and pharmacokinetics." Fitoterapia, 141, 104469.

3. Pan, Y., et al. (2014). "Anxiolytic-like effects of leonurine in mice." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 153(2), 435–441.

4. Bensky, D., & Gamble, A. (1993). Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 2nd ed. Eastland Press.

5. Wood, M. (2008). The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants. North Atlantic Books.

6. Hoffman, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Healing Arts Press.

***The content provided in this article serves solely for educational purposes and is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or medical condition. In case of any health concerns about yourself, or your family or if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or currently taking any medication; it's highly recommended that you seek professional advice from a licensed healthcare practitioner.

Please note that Health Canada and the Food and Drug Administration have not assessed the information presented herein.