Motherwort

Leonurus cardiaca

Other Names: Leonurus cardiaca, Agripalma, Agripaume, Agripaume Cardiaque, Cardiaire, Cardiaque, Cheneuse, Chinese Motherwort, Creneuse, Herbe Piquante, Herbe des Tonneliers, Leonuri cardiacae herba, Leonurus, Leonurus artemisia, Leonurus cardiaca, Leonurus japonicus, Leonurus heterophyllus Sweet, Lion's Ear, Lion's Tail, Mélisse Sauvage, Mother's Wort, Oreille de Lion, Patte de Sorcier, Plante Mère, Queue de Lion, Roman Motherwort, Throw-Wort, Yi Mu Cao.
Motherwort is a plant. The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.

Special Precautions of Motherwort

• Motherwort is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people. Side effects include diarrhea, stomach irritation, uterine bleeding, sleepiness, and allergic reactions. Contact with the skin can cause rashes and increased sensitivity to the sun.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Taking motherwort during pregnancy is UNSAFE and should be avoided. Motherwort can stimulate the uterus and might cause a miscarriage. Breast-feeding mothers should also avoid using motherwort. Not enough is known about the safety of using motherwort when breast-feeding.
• Heart conditions: Motherwort can interfere with the treatment of heart conditions. If you have a heart condition, get your healthcare provider’s advice before starting motherwort.
• Surgery: Motherwort can slow down (sedate) the central nervous system (CNS). There is a concern that when combined with anesthesia and other medications used during and after surgery, motherwort might cause too much sedation. Stop using motherwort at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
• Uterine bleeding: Motherwort may be able to stimulate uterine blood flow, which is why some women try it for starting their periods. If you have a uterine bleeding condition, use motherwort with caution, since it might make this condition worse.
• Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with Motherwort.

Benefits and uses of Motherwort are

• Heart Tonic: Motherwort is an excellent heart tonic -- alleviating high blood pressure and arrhythmia. Motherwort contains the alkaloid leonine -- a mild vasodilator. This compound relaxes smooth muscle, helping to regulate heart rhythm and minimize palpitations.
• Over-active thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
• Anxiety : Motherwort is an excellent herb for soothing the nervous system and heart
• Diuretic : reduces water retention and lowers blood pressure.
• Itching.
• Shingles.
• Intestinal gas (flatulence).
• Women : Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and menopause are softened with this herb. It relaxes uterine cramping and regulates the menses. It calms irritability associated with PMS too. However, do not use motherwort early in pregnancy as it encourages miscarriage.