Motherwort organic
Also known as- Leonurus cardiaca, lion's ear, lion's tale, throwwort.
Introduction
Motherwort is a mint with dull green, hairy leaves and an intensely bitter taste. The botanical name Leonurus refers to a fanciful resemblance of the leaves to a lion's tale.
Constituents
Motherwort contains four groups of medicinally active chemicals:
• Caffeic acid 4-rutinoside.
• Diterpenes of the labdane type, such as leocardin, a mixture of two epimers of 8b-acetoyx-9a, l3a, l5, l6-bisepoxy-l5-hydroyx-7-oxo- labdan-6b, l9-olide.
• Flavonoids; rutin, quinqueloside, genkwanin, quercitin, quercetrin, isoquercetrin, hyperoside, and apigenin and kaempferol glucosides.
• Iridoids: leonuride and others not yet identified.
Parts Used
All the above-ground parts of the plant, gathered after flowering, dried, and cut.
Typical Preparations
Traditionally used as a tea. Frequently combined with hawthorn. May also be taken as an extract or capsule.
Summary
The traditional use of motherwort is the treatment of racing heart (tachycardia) caused by nervous tension. Long-term use may reduce the formation of clotting factors and also lower total cholesterol and triglycerides.
Motherwort is also used to treat menstrual tension. It treats false labor pains, and it is useful in the stimulation of delayed or suppressed menstruation, especially when prolonged emotional stress is factor.
Precautions
Consult your physician before using this herb if you take prescription medication for your heart. Not recommended while pregnant.
