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Benefits |
Preparation |
Medicinal Uses |
Side Effects |
Plant |
Folklore |
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| Common Names |
| Motherwort , Lion's tail, lion's ear |
| Botanical Name |
| Leonurus caridica L. |
| Family |
| LAMIACEAE or LABIATAE Mint Family |
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Related Species |
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Leonurus heteropbyllus, Chinese motherwort |
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Chinese motherwort, known as yi-mu-cao, and the common European motherwort serve as excellent examples of plants used for parallel purposes by divergent cultures, whose uses are confirmed by modern research. Motherwort herb regulates the menses, promotes blood circulation, stimulates the development of new tissue, is diuretic, and reduces swelling. The seeds promote blood circulation, regulate the menses, and clear away liver heat from the eyes. In TCM motherwort was used to promote longevity and strengthen the heart, Science endorses motherwort's folk applications against heart-related conditions. This fascinating but still little-appreciated member of the mint family deserves greater attention in the West.
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Prep Methods :teas, extracts, capsules
 Remedies using Motherwort
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Li Shi-zhen lists the uses of the seeds and herb in the 1596 Ben Cao Gang Mu. He noted that it helped to stimulate circulation, benefit the eyes, quiet the nerves, and regulate the menses, among other uses.
Steven Foster
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| Emmenagogue | | Strong emmenagogue, stimulates menstrual bleeding in delayed periods. 426
(Gladstar, Rosemary ) | | Female Tonic | | Motherwort is especially valuable in female a wide range of female disorders (hence the name), allaying nervous irritability and inducing quiet and passivity of the whole nervous system. 926
| | Stress,rapid heart rate | | Some of its phytochemicals can help you to relax, can slow a rapid heart rate, and relieve stress. 427
(Duke, James A, Ph.D. ) | | Lower cholesterol, reduce platelet accumulation | | Motherwort - Another traditional heart tonic, motherwort is known to lower cholesterol, reduce platelet accumulation, and generally strengthen the heart. It also slows a too-rapid heart rate, especially when anxiety is a contributing factor. 589
(White,Linda B., M.D. ) | | PMS | | The amphoteric qualities of motherwort make it both a sedative and stimulant herb for menstrual stress, tension, water retention, and PMS. 740
(Gladstar, Rosemary ) | | Menstrual cramps | | Excellent remedy for menstrual cramps especially those accompanied by scanty menses. Not generally recommended for cramps in heavy bleeding. 925
(Gladstar, Rosemary ) | | Lower blood pressure | | Glycosides found in motherwort have the effect of lowering blood pressure, reducing stress on the heart muscle 741
(Foster, Steven, Chongxi, Yue ) | | Childbirth, insomina, pain | | Combine with scullcap and/or valerian to relieve pain and insomnia associated with childbirth 924
(Gladstar, Rosemary ) |
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| Side Effects: |
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| Motherwort contains alkaloid stachydrine. Because of its ability to stimulate uterine contractions, it is not recommended during pregnancy, except during the last few days, when it is used to stimulate labor.
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It is distinguished from all other labiates by the leaves, which are deeply and palmately cut into five loves, or three-pointed segments, and by the prickly clayx-teeth of its flowers. When not in flower, it resembles Mugwort in habit. The plant blossoms in August. It has rather a pungent odor and a very bitter taste.
Grieve, Maude
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 Since ancient times, motherwort has been used to treat palpitations and rapid heart beat, especially when associated with anxiety. The ancient greeks and romans honored it for a remedy for both physical and emotional heart troubles. "Motherwort is especially valuable in female weakness and disorders (hence the name), allaying nervous irritability and inducing quiet and passivity of the whole nervous system. Old writers tell us that there is not better herb for strengthening the heart." Grieve, M |
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 Venus owns the herb, and it is under Leo. There is no better herb to take melancholy vapours from the heart, to strengthen it Nicholas Culpeper |
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Annies Remedys
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