Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

Family

Lamiaceae, or mint family

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Common Names

Motherwort

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Harvest

Harvest the top 8 inches while in flower and use both leaf, flower, and soft stem for drying to tincture or for tea. To ensure multiple harvests, cut back to the ground for lush regrowth.

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Growing Conditions

USDA Growing Zone(s): Astragalus grows well in zones 3-8.

 

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This is a striking and beautiful flowering ‘cut and come’ again perennial in the garden. It grows best in sun to part shade in well drained sandy loam soil but can tolerate poor soil. It is drought tolerant and cold hardy.

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Medicinal Uses

Motherwort has a long history of use in Roman and Greek times as being a top herb for treating depression, anxiety and stress, especially associated with the heart, as its namesake suggests (cardiaca).

 

It lives up to its common name in that it has traditionally been used in Europe as an aid in reducing the stress of parenting, however Motherwort is not recommended during pregnancy as it stimulates the uterus. Old literature on the herb also states how Motherwort has been used historically to help reduce PMS symptoms from sluggish menses, such as cramping, bloating and painful and delayed menses.

 

It has a bitter flavor so it’s often taken as a tincture or capsule but can also be brewed in tea with added honey to taste. I have heard herbalists say that a cup or two of Motherwort tea is like receiving a hug from the Earth!

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​This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbal medicine.