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Motherwort - Uses and Benefits
Alternative Names:
Leonurus cardiaca, Lion's Ear, Lion's Tail, Throw-wort , Roman motherwort.
Herb Description
Motherwort originally from central Eurasia, but has now grows to all parts of the world, The leaves and flowers of this plant are used medicinally. In China , seed of this plant is used as a medicine. The genus name Leonurus is come from a Latin word "leo", meaning "lions", and a Greek word "oura", meaning "tail", in reference to the leaf's shaggy shape ( like a lion's tail ). The species name cardiaca is drived from the Greek word "kardiaca", meaning "heart".The plant is a member of the Mint family,like as basil, mint, oregano and sage. This plant grows in August. It has a pungent odour and a very bitter taste. It is in a dull green color. A mature plant has many white, fuzzy hairs associated with the blooms.
The mature plant is increase upto two to four feet in height, has pink flowers, and grows as a weed along roadsides and vacant fields. It is very useful for a variety of ills, and is very nourishing, much like stinging nettle or dandelion. The plant contains the alkaloid leonurine , which is a mild vasodilator and has a calming effect on smooth muscles One of the species name cardiaca is based upon its use by herbalists for heart problems like heart palpitations associated with anxiety attacks. Historically, a tea made from the plant was used to treat mother during childbirth and this resulted in the common name Motherwort. Europeans used motherwort as a sedative.
Properties
- Sedative.
- Hypotensive.
- Cardio tonic.
- Antispasmodic .
- Emmenagogue.
- Relaxant.
- Carminative.
- Diaphoretic.
Uses and Benefits
Motherwort is benificial to improve the female weakness & to treat irregular heartbeat, particularly benificial when heart rhythm increases due to nervousness.It reduced blood pressure and maintaned the heartbeats.Recently researches shows that , Motherwort improve mesenteric circulation and increase coronary perfusion.
- The common use of this herb is for cureing nervous heart conditions and to a lesser degree for a uterine tonic, also supportive therapy for hyper thyroid activity.
- As a traditional remedy, it is used for the problems associated with female childbirth disorders and menopause, menstruation and childbirth.
If taken on a regulr basis, it may improve abnormal menstrual cycles to become more regular. Due to antispasmodic effects, motherwort is helpful to restore uterine muscle tone after the childbirth. It may also have relaxing effects on the nervous system,Its very effictive in physical as well as in emotional symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and menopause.Motherwort is also used to improve circulation, lower blood lipids, and reduce platelet aggregation.
Side Effects
Not recommended the excess amounts of motherwort during pregnancy as it may create uterine contraction and potential miscarriage. Contact with the leaves causes skin inflammation in some individuals.It may cause drowsiness if taken in excess. Taking motherwort has increased sensitivity to natural and artificial sunlight for some individuals. Sunscreen should be used during motherwort is taken.
One studies suggests that a single application of extract in excess of 3 grams may cause following problems like diarrhea , uterine bleeding, and stomach irritation.As a single dose of motherwort like 3 gm or more may cause diarrhea and stomach irritation.
Dosage
Powdered herb, 1/2 to 1 drachm.
Fluid extract, 1/2 to 1 drachm.
Solid extract, 5 to 15 grains.
Infusion:
Take a cup of boiling water onto l-2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This should be used 3 times a day.
Tincture: use l-4ml of the tincture 3 times a day.
Drug Interactions
The effects of the drug may be increase when motherwort is used with prescription drugs that promote sleepiness,resulting in sedation or mental impairment. Prescription drugs that can cause sleepiness follow:
- Anticonvulsants like as carbamazepine, phenytoin, and valproic acid
- Barbiturates like as phenobarbital
- Benzodiazepines like as alprazolam and diazepam
- Drugs for insomnia like as zaleplon and zolpidem
- Tricyclic antidepressants like as amitriptyline, amoxapine, doxepin, and nortriptyline
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