Description
Leonurus cardiaca
Herbaceous perennial with a long history of medicinal use in its native range across Europe and Asia. The ancient Greeks gave Motherwort to anxious women giving birth, and Romans named it “cardiaca” due to its tonic effect on the heart. Nicholas Culpepper wrote in the 17th Century that “[t]here is no better herb to drive melancholy vapors from the heart, to strengthen it and make the mind cheerful, blithe and merry.”
More recently scientific research has shown high levels of natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds such as flavonoids, sterols, triterpenes and tannins. Motherwort is prescribed by herbalists for menstrual disorders including painful and irregular periods, bloating and PMS. It is also used to treat skin disorders by increasing bloodflow, relieve water retention and urinary difficulties, reduce rapid or irregular heart rate related to stress or anxiety, and to aid healing of bruises and skin irritations.
All above ground parts of the plant can be used, fresh or dried. It can be used to flavour soups and beer, and used to make a tea. Motherwort should not be used during pregnancy or if using blood thinning agents. An olive-green dye can be made from the leaves.
Common Motherwort thrives in full sun or part shade, and slightly moist soils, although it will tolerate some dry and poor soils.
Seed pods are prickly – care advised. Best not to plant it near a pathway, and take care when harvesting. Height to 130cm.
11cm pot. Certified organic plant.
