Motherwort – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

Friday, July 21, 2017 by Earl Garcia

Motherwort is a perennial herb that belongs to the same plant family as mint and deadnettle. The plant thrives in humus-rich soil and can be found throughout Northern Europe. The herb is also commonly found in Asia and has been naturalized in North America. According to an article on the Herbal Supplement Resource website, the medicinal plant has been used since the medieval times, which may explain why it is now widely distributed around the world. The plant comes in many names including Common motherwort, throw-wort, lion’s ear and lion’s tail.

List of known nutrients

Motherwort is known to contain potent compounds that fend off a host of diseases. An entry posted on the Herbpathy website features a complete list of the important nutrients found in motherwort, which include:

Alkaloids
Alpha Pinene
Benzaldehyde
Caffeic Acid
Caryophyllene
Catechin
Diterpenes
Flavonoids
Hyperoside
Iridoids
Isoquercetin
Leonurinine
Limonene
Linalool
Marrubiin
Oleanolic Acid
Quercetin
Quercitrin
Rutin
Saponins
Stachydrine
Tannins
Ursolic Acid
Vitamin A
Vitamin C

Medicinal uses for motherwort

Motherwort is primarily used as a hypotensive agent to relieve high blood pressure and rapid heartbeat or palpitations caused by anxiety or nervousness. In fact, a 2011 study reveals that the herb is notably effective in relieving anxiety and depression in patients with high blood pressure. Motherwort is also used to relieve inflammation. A study published in 2009 shows that the herb slowed down the release of inflammatory compounds. Aside from this, the beneficial herb is also touted for its potential in cancer prevention. A past study has demonstrated that motherwort may help induce apoptosis or programmed cell death.

Motherwort is also valued for its beneficial effects on the respiratory system. The herb is commonly used to alleviate intermittent fever, and is recommended for various respiratory disorders such as wheezing, bronchitis, and coughing with white sputum. On the other hand, the herb is fund to contain a mild diuretic effect that may help eliminate edema associated with insufficient kidney function. Besides this, the herb’s bitter flavor is found to stimulate the digestive process. Using motherwort in combination with other aromatic mints may help stimulate appetite that is lost during bouts of anxiety or nervousness.

In addition, the herb is best known for its positive effects on women’s health. Motherwort contains emmenagogue properties that help address delayed menstruation, scanty menstruation, and menstrual cramps. Moreover, motherwort can be used to aid women who experience delayed labor. The herb is also remarkably effective in fending off delayed afterbirth.

However, health experts cautioned that the herb may trigger a number of side effects such as diarrhea, drowsiness, and uterine bleeding. Pregnant women are also discouraged from using the herb.

Body systems supported by motherwort

Motherwort is beneficial to the cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive systems. Likewise, the herb supports the urinary and female reproductive systems.

Ways to use motherwort

Dried parts of motherwort can be brewed and made into hot tea, while fresh parts can be processed into tincture. Motherwort can also be used in combination with other herbs on certain formulas for a variety of diseases. According to an article on the Herbal Remedies Advice website, motherwort can be added to passionflower or pasqueflower to alleviate anxiety. The herb can also be combined with hawthorn and rose to promote heart health. Likewise, motherwort can be combined with black cohosh to ease menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and anxiety. In addition, motherwort can be infused with the Dang Gui herb to address dysmenorrhea or painful menstruation. Furthermore, the herb can be incorporated with chamomile of lemon balm to treat loss of appetite due to nerves.