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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