Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

Traditional use

Motherwort has a long history of use in European herbal traditions, with records dating back to the Middle Ages. It was commonly prescribed for gynaecological disorders, particularly those related to childbirth, postpartum recovery, and melancholy after delivery. It was traditionally taken to calm the womb, regulate menstruation, and support emotional balance in women, especially during significant hormonal transitions.

Its name reflects this role, “mother’s herb,” many traditional healers considered it a core remedy for women’s health through all life stages.

Clinical discussion

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is a deeply nourishing nervine and cardiotonic, valued for its support during times of emotional and physical transition. UK herbalist Christopher Hedley poetically noted that “the leaves of motherwort are shaped like helping hands,” symbolising the support it offers—especially in stages such as menarche, menstruation, childbirth, postpartum, and menopause.

Its name—Leonurus cardiaca, meaning "lion-hearted"—also reflects its use in calming heart-centred anxiety, particularly when associated with:

• Palpitations

• Nervous tension

• Hyperthyroid-related anxiety

• Hypertension with insomnia

Motherwort is often chosen for its gentle but steady emotional holding—particularly for individuals who feel overwhelmed, under-supported, or emotionally frayed. It is not sedating, but rather steadies the pulse, grounds emotion, and helps build resilience under stress.

Clinical research and traditional use support its use in:

• Mild to moderate hypertension

• Palpitations due to anxiety or hyperthyroidism

• Graves’ disease (adjunctively)

• Irritability and PMS

• Menopausal anxiety or insomnia

While traditionally associated with women’s health, motherwort is valuable for all genders, especially where emotional unrest affects cardiovascular function.

It is most commonly used as a tincture, though infusions may also be used (bitterness can be intense). It pairs well with hawthorn, milky oats, or lemon balm depending on the emotional and physical presentation.

Cultivation/harvesting

Motherwort is a hardy perennial (occasionally annual in colder zones) that thrives in sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It readily self-seeds and is tolerant of poor soils, making it an easy addition to wild-style gardens or herb borders.

• Harvest when the plant is in full flower, usually in July or August.

• Use flowering tops and upper leaves, ideally gathered on a dry day after morning dew has lifted.

• Caution: The sharp, hooked calyces can be irritating to skin, so wear gloves when harvesting.

Hang in small bundles to air-dry in shade, or tincture fresh for full potency.

Once established, motherwort can form dense stands and will return reliably each year, bringing strength and calm to the garden as well as the dispensary.