What is motherwort herb used for
Emma Valentine
Updated on April 18, 2026
Motherwort is used for heart conditions, including heart failure, irregular heartbeat, fast heartbeat, and heart symptoms due to anxiety. It is also used for the absence of menstrual periods, intestinal gas (flatulence), and over-active thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
What are the benefits of motherwort herb?
It was widely used to regulate menses and to treat associated conditions. It was also considered a helpful diuretic and heart-strengthening herb by herbalists in both cultures, particularly to alleviate heart palpitations associated with anxiety attacks. Europeans used motherwort as a sedative as well.
Can motherwort get you high?
You don’t feel high or intoxicated, necessarily, just sort of blissfully unbothered. Among the herb’s most ardent proponents, anecdotal evidence of its benefits abound. It’s traditionally associated with the heart, and herbalists claim it can help regulate blood pressure and treat anxiety.
How often should I drink motherwort tea?
A tea can be prepared by steeping one to two teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Three cups of the tea may be consumed daily. In a tincture, a concentrated liquid herbal extract, a half to three-quarter teaspoon can be taken three times a day.Does motherwort help you sleep?
Motherwort (Leonorus cardiaca) is a cooling and relaxing nervine often used for anxiety and women’s reproductive issues.
How do you take motherwort?
Motherwort should be harvested when in full bloom. Harvest the aerial parts—leaves, flowers, and stems can be used. I use the stem only on the upper portions of the plant, where it is fairly small and supple. On the lower portions, I remove the leaves to use in tea or tinctures, and discard the stem outdoors.
Can men drink motherwort tea?
Red Root Mountain adds: While motherwort is often considered an herb for women, men can find benefit in using it as well for maladies of the nervous system and heart triggered by stress… The effects this plant has on the nervous system are profound. There is nothing subtle in the way that it works.
How do you make motherwort tea?
To make motherwort tea, add 1-2 teaspoons of dry motherwort leaves to a teapot, depending on what strength of tea you want. Add 2 cups of boiling water to the teapot. Allow the mixture to steep for 5-10 minutes; the longer it steeps, the stronger the tea will be. Strain the leaves out of the tea.Does motherwort increase estrogen?
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute offer new evidence that herbs such as red clover and motherwort — traditionally used for gynecological complaints — as well as saw palmetto and rhodiola rosea root can have such a strong estrogenic effect they could increase the risk of estrogen-related …
Is motherwort good for high blood pressure?Motherwort appears to have blood pressure lowering properties. There is research showing that it can lower blood pressure by a significant amount. Results showed within a month of treatment. It has another, female-specific use as well.
Article first time published onWhat happens when you smoke motherwort?
Some recommend smoking Motherwort to promote astral projection, but smoking too much can cause respiratory arrest. It is therefore perhaps best used as a smudge or burned as incense rather than smoked directly. It is especially effective in combination with mugwort.
Can you eat motherwort leaves?
Edibility and culinary use. Unlike other herbs in the mint family, motherwort doesn’t taste or smell particularly good. In fact, it actually tastes bitter. Despite this, motherwort leaves and flowers are still widely consumed for its health benefits.
What is Damiana tea good for?
Damiana is used to treat headache, bedwetting, depression, nervous stomach, and constipation; for prevention and treatment of sexual problems; boosting and maintaining mental and physical stamina; and as an aphrodisiac. Some people inhale damiana for a slight “high.”
Does motherwort interact with any medications?
Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with MOTHERWORT. Motherwort might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Medications that cause sleepiness are called sedatives. Taking motherwort along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness.
Where is motherwort native to?
Leonurus cardiac, commonly known as motherwort, is an herbaceous perennial of the mint family that typically grows to 2-4′ tall. It is native to southeastern Europe and central Asia, but has over time been introduced and spread to many places around the world.
What herbs are good for sleep and anxiety?
- Ashwagandha.
- Chamomile.
- Valerian.
- Lavender.
- Galphimia glauca.
- Passionflower.
- Kava kava.
- CBD.
When should I take motherwort?
Motherwort, as suggested by its’ name, is indicated for use with the uterus and with parenthood. Herbalist Susun Weed suggests that motherwort tincture will provide fast relief for menstrual cramps when taken 5-10 drops at a time, at the first moment of pain and taken thereafter every 15 minutes as needed.
What foods increase estrogen in females?
- Flax seeds. …
- Soybeans and edamame. …
- Dried fruits. …
- Sesame seeds. …
- Garlic. …
- Peaches. …
- Berries. …
- Wheat bran.
Is motherwort an Emmenagogue?
As an emmenagogue and a uterine relaxant, motherwort helps to bring on a stagnant period, particularly one that is accompanied by anxiety or emotional agitation. It’s also helpful for expelling the afterbirth, when the placenta does not readily ‘drop’ after the birth of a child.
When do you harvest motherwort for tea?
Harvesting. The ideal time to harvest motherwort is in early to midsummer, just as the plant is beginning to flower. But you can also harvest the large, soft leaves in the pre-flowering stage. Cut and collect the top third of the stems, including the leaves, flowers, and buds.
How do you identify motherwort?
How Can I Identify It? Motherwort is usually 2-5′ tall with a heavily ridged square stem. The leaves are oppositely arranged along the stem, and though the shape is variable, the leaves tend to be palmate, or hand-shaped, with 3 or 5 sharply-pointed lobes.
What's the difference between mugwort and motherwort?
The major difference between the leaves of these two species is that mugwort leaves are white-woolly almost silvery on the underside. Mum leaves may be only somewhat hairy and will be the same color top and bottom.
Is motherwort a perennial?
Motherwort is a perennial herb that grows well in zones 4-8. It is often found in the wild, specifically near areas of water-like streams or rivers. If you are lucky enough to find a stand, harvest this lovely herb for a wide range of medicinal benefits.
Who should not take damiana?
Damiana can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar carefully. Watch for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): headache, hunger, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, or feeling shaky. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant.
What herb can I take to get pregnant?
- Shatavari (Asparagus) Asparagus is considered a female reproductive tonic and as the name implies, the tonic has the ability to increase fertility and vitality. …
- Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) …
- Agnus castus (chasteberry) …
- Black cohosh. …
- Chinese herbs.
Does damiana affect hormones?
EVIDENCE FROM STUDIES Laboratory tests on a few of the compounds isolated from damiana showed that they act similar to steroidal sex hormones.