Motherwort
(lion's tail)
Leonurus cardiaca
Motherwort is a strong-smelling perennial herb with purple stems.
Pinky-mauve to white flowers, with purple spotted lips are produced
in summer.
The whole above ground plant is used.
Motherwort
is a bitter, diuretic herb working on the circulation and urinary
system. It has sedative, hypotensive, cardio tonic and antispasmodic
properties. It lowers blood pressure and exhibits antibacterial and
anti-fungal effects.
It contains stachydrine, leonurine, iridoid glycosides (ajugol,
ajugoside, galiridoside) labdane diterpenes, diterpene lactones (leocardin,
murrubiaside), flavonoids, phenolic acids and tannins.
The main benefit of this herb is for treating nervous heart
conditions and to a lesser degree for a uterine tonic, as well as
supportive therapy for hyper thyroid activity.As a folk remedy, it
is used for complaints and problems associated with female
reproductive disorders and menopause, menstruation and childbirth.
Not to taken during pregnancy. The effect during lactation has
not been established. |