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Motherwort

Uses

Botanical names:
Leonurus cardiaca

Parts Used & Where Grown

Motherwort came from central Eurasia originally, but has spread to all temperate areas of the world, primarily as a garden plant but also as an escaped weed. A similar plant, Leonurus heterophyllus, is used in China. The Chinese name for motherwort is yi mu cao, meaning “benefit mother herb.” The leaves and flowers of this mint family plant are used as medicine. In Chinese herbal medicine, the seeds are also employed.

What Are Star Ratings?

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for Why
1 Star
Amenorrhea
Refer to label instructions
Motherwort has traditionally been thought to stimulate absent or diminished menses, though it has not been studied clinically.

Herbal emmenagogues traditionally regarded as stimulating absent or diminished menses are , rue, partridge berry, and yarrow. None of these herbs has undergone modern clinical trials to determine their efficacy. All emmenagogues should be avoided in pregnancy, as they may possibly cause a spontaneous abortion.

1 Star
Anxiety
Refer to label instructions
Motherwort is one of a group of “nerve tonic” (nervine) herbs used in traditional herbal medicine for people with anxiety, with few reports of toxicity.

Other nervines include oats (oat straw), hops, passion flower, American scullcap, wood betony, , pennyroyal, and linden.

1 Star
Menopause
Refer to label instructions
Motherwort is an herb with weak estrogen-like actions similar to soy. In one trial, a formula containing licorice, burdock, dong quai, wild yam, and motherwort reduced menopause symptoms.

A variety of herbs with weak estrogen-like actions similar to the effects of soy have traditionally been used for women with menopausal symptoms. These herbs include licorice, alfalfa, and red clover. In a double-blind trial, a formula containing tinctures of licorice, burdock, dong quai, wild yam, and (30 drops three times daily) was found to reduce symptoms of menopause. No effects on hormone levels were detected in this study. In a separate double-blind trial, supplementation with dong quai (4.5 grams three times daily in capsules) had no effect on menopausal symptoms or hormone levels. A double-blind trial using a standardized extract of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum), a relative of red clover, containing 40 mg isoflavones per tablet did not impact symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, though it did improve function of the arteries. An extract of red clover, providing 82 mg of isoflavones per day, also was ineffective in a 12-week double-blind study. In another double-blind study, however, administration of 80 mg of isoflavones per day from red clover reduced the frequency of hot flashes in postmenopausal women. The benefit was noticeable after 4 weeks of treatment and became more pronounced after a total of 12 weeks.

Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

The use of motherwort is practically the same in European folk medicine and traditional Chinese herbal medicine. It was widely used to regulate menses and to treat associated conditions.1 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.2 Europeans used motherwort as a sedative as well.3

How It Works

Botanical names:
Leonurus cardiaca

How It Works

The identities of the active constituents of motherwort are not entirely clear, though they likely include compounds in its volatile oil and the alkaloids. Little research has been done on motherwort in the West. Animal research performed in China suggests that motherwort alkaloids can calm the central nervous system and stimulate the uterus to contract.4 A report suggests that preliminary human trials have found that Chinese motherwort stimulates uterine contraction after delivery and may alleviate glomerulonephritis (kidney disease secondary to infection).5 However, insufficient details were provided to assess the quality or results of these studies.

How to Use It

A tea can be prepared by steeping approximately 3/4 teaspoon (4.5 grams) of the cut herb in 1/2–3/4 cups (150 ml) of water.6 Three cups (750 ml) of the tea may be consumed daily. Alternatively, a tincture, 1/2–3/4 teaspoon (2–4 ml) three times per day, can be taken.

Interactions

Botanical names:
Leonurus cardiaca

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

At the time of writing, there were no well-known supplement or food interactions with this supplement.

Interactions with Medicines

As of the last update, we found no reported interactions between this supplement and medicines. It is possible that unknown interactions exist. If you take medication, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.
The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

Botanical names:
Leonurus cardiaca

Side Effects

One source suggests that a single application of motherwort extract (concentration not reported) in excess of 3 grams may cause diarrhea, uterine bleeding, and stomach irritation.7 It should be avoided in pregnancy as large amounts may cause uterine contraction and potential miscarriage.8

References

1. Foster S. Herbal Renaissance. Layton UT: Gibbs Smith Publisher, 1993, 151-2.

2. Weiss RF. Meuss AR (trans). Herbal Medicine. Gothenberg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum and Beaconsfield: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1985, 186-7.

3. Weiss RF. Meuss AR (trans). Herbal Medicine. Gothenberg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum and Beaconsfield: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1985, 186-7.

4. Bensky D, Gamble A, Kaptchuk T. Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica, rev ed. Seattle: Eastland Press, 1993, 273-4.

5. Bensky D, Gamble A, Kaptchuk T. Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica, rev ed. Seattle: Eastland Press, 1993, 273-4.

6. Blumenthal M (ed). Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Integrative Medical Communications, 2000, 267-9.

7. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A (eds). American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1997, 68-9.

8. Bensky D, Gamble A, Kaptchuk T. Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica, rev ed. Seattle: Eastland Press, 1993, 273-4.

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How It Works
 

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