Motherwort

A short-lived perennial, motherwort grows easily from seed. It is native to Europe and has become naturalized in the US. I have seen this herb growing happily in both the plains and the mountains. In the mint family, motherwort will grow profusely, so plant it cautiously. Motherwort grows two to four feet tall with stout, branching, four sided stems. The lower leaves look similar to maple leaves with three prominent points. The higher leaves are smaller, thinner and untoothed. Small pink or white flowers bloom at the juncture of the leaves and stem. Harvest the aerial parts of motherwort into blooming. Dry or fresh plant tinctures are nice as the tea is extremely bitter.

As a relaxing nervine, motherwort helps to reduce anxiety and tension and bring one back to a place of calm centeredness.

As its Latin name cardiaca suggests, motherwort is also good for the heart. It is a mild vasodilator, which makes it a mild hypotensive agent. It is useful for heart palpitations, especially those resulting from nervousness and stress. As a cardiac tonic, motherwort helps to normalize heart function.

Motherwort is an excellent herb for women. As a uterine tonic it helps to regulate menstruation and reduce smooth muscle cramping such as menstrual cramps. It can be used one to four days after childbirth to help clarify drainage and prevent uterine infection. As an emmenagogue, motherwort helps stimulate the uterus to bring on delayed menstruation or relieve amenorrhea (lack of menstruation). In small amounts, it can help ease false labor pains. It is best avoided throughout most of pregnancy as it stimulates menstruation. Motherwort is an excellent herb for menopause. Use it with bugleweed tincture for hot flashes.

Motherwort is a digestive bitter and as such encourages bile production, healthy digestion and reduces gas pains. You can make a tea of motherwort by adding ounce herb per quart of water. I especially like the fresh plant tincture, which has a dosage of 10-30 drops up to three times a day.

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