Motherwort, Common motherwort

Leonurus cardiaca

Physical Characteristics

Leonurus cardiaca is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Europe. Naturalized in Britain.

Habitats

Hedgerow;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Condiment Tea The fresh or dried flowers can be used as a flavouring in soups, particularly lentil or split pea[183]. They are also used as a flavouring in beer[183]. Fresh or dried flowers can be used to make a tea[183].

Medicinal Uses

Antiarrhythmic Antiflatulent Antispasmodic Astringent Birthing aid Cardiac Diaphoretic Emmenagogue Homeopathy Nervine Sedative Stomachic Tonic Women's complaints Motherwort is especially valuable in the treatment of female weaknesses and disorders, allaying nervous irritability, inducing quiet and passivity of the whole nervous system[4]. It is also seen as a remedy for heart palpitations, it has a strengthening effect, especially on a weak heart[254]. The antispasmodic and sedative effects promote relaxation rather than drowsiness[254]. The leaves are antispasmodic, astringent, cardiac, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, nervine, sedative, stomachic, tonic and uterine stimulant[4, 9, 21, 46, 165, 222]. They are taken internally in the treatment of heart complaints (notably palpitations) and problems associated with menstruation, childbirth and menopause, especially of nervous origin[238]. Although an infusion can be used, the taste is so bitter that the plant is usually made into a conserve or syrup[244]. An alcoholic extract is said to possess superior action to valerian (Valeriana officinalis)[240]. The plant has been found effective in the treatment of functional heart complaints due to autonomic imbalance, and also as an anti-thyroid treatment, though it needs to be taken for several months for these effects to be noticed[244]. The whole herb is harvested in August when in flower and can be dried for later use[4]. It should not be prescribed in the earlier stages of pregnancy or where periods are heavy[238, 254]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant[9]. It is used in the treatment of heart complaints, amenorrhoea, menopausal problems and flatulence[9]. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Leonurus cardiaca Motherwort for nervous heart complaints (see [302] for critics of commission E).

Known Hazards

Skin contact with this plant can cause dermatitis in susceptible people[21]. The fragrant essential oil can cause photosensitization[274]. Grazing animals can have their mouths injured by the sharp teeth of the calyces[274]. Avoid during pregnancy as it is a uterine stimulant although it has been used during labour [301].