Very fitting to the name, this plant’s interactions with our body feels like a big hug from mom. The warm comfort, support and gentle embrace that you crave during times of a broken heart is what this herb can provide both emotionally and physically. Nicholas Culpeper, a renowned herbalist and English botanist wrote in 1652 "There is no better herb to drive away melancholy vapors from the heart to strengthen it and make the mind cheerful.”
How beautiful of a gift is that? Our creator provided us with something that feels like a weighted blanket for our soul when we need it most. Motherwort is sometimes known as Lion’s Heart—as its Latin name comes from the Greek words for lion (leon) and heart (cardiaca). I’d like to think that this also can relate to the fact that the animal associated with God is a lion. A fierce protector of our heart. This herb helps to physically embody that.
OVERVIEW
HOW IT WORKS WITH THE BODY
“Motherwort’s actions beautifully show us the connection between the physical and spiritual heart. It is often used when there is a rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat (palpitations) associated with anxiety or nervousness. Through this, we can see that it acts on the physical heart by decreasing palpitations and mild hypertension while also acting on the spiritual heart to soothe and calm anxiety. It is calming without being overly sedating.” - herbalist Rosalee De La Foret
For a heavy heart, some say it leaves them with their heart feeling understood, protected and open.
It can help to restore musculoskeletal balance after physical trauma and helps in the healing after experiencing emotional trauma.
The bitter taste of Motherwort increases appetite and stimulates healthy digestion. It’s very helpful for loss of appetite due to nervousness, stress or anxiety. The bitterness also helps to bring us back into our bodies.
Extremely effective for hypertension accompanied by anxiety and sleep disorders.
Motherwort is an emmenagogue, which is an herb that is used to promote delayed menstruation and modulate irregular menses. It can help with uncomfortable symptoms associated with a period like PMS and cramping. It also helps in cases of delayed labor.
It can relieve hot flashes and neuralgia.
It’s fast acting in panic or anxiety attacks.
CAUTIONS
Motherwort should not be used during pregnancy except under the guidance of a practitioner and only just before and after labor. It is always contraindicated during the first trimester, second trimester, and most of the third trimester.
Caution for women with very heavy menstrual flow and those on heart medication.
it’s always best to try new herbs in small amounts and to consult with your physician prior to taking any new herbal supplements, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking any medications.
Check out our offerings that contain Motherwort:
*Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for professional medical/health advice. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Before taking any actions based upon such information, it is encouraged to consult with the appropriate professionals. Please consult with your physician prior to the use of any herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking any medications.