Focus on Herbs: Motherwort

by Lynne Latella

For affairs of the heart… motherwort

“Drink motherwort to the despair of your heirs” goes an old Japanese saying. In both ancient China and Japan, this herb has been used for centuries to promote longevity. The motherwort festival, celebrated in the ninth month on the ninth day, features rice mixed with motherwort flowers and flower-infused sake. First used to treat cattle diseases, it soon became a beneficial remedy for human maladies.

Part of the mint family, motherwort’s name is derived from a Greek term meaning “lion’s tail,” because of the plant’s shaggy appearance. Purported to make mothers more joyful, it has been widely used for menstrual irregularities, fertility, as a womb relaxant following childbirth, pain reliever, uterine toner and uterine infection inhibitor. Greeks thought it relieved anxiety in new mothers. As a result, it came to be known as mother “wort” or “mother’s herb.”

American Indians prepared motherwort tea to treat not only female ailments, but also stomach problems and fainting. American colonists found it useful for female problems as well, but it was the ancient Greeks and Romans who began treating emotional and physical heart problems, such as depression and palpitations, with motherwort.

Studies have shown that motherwort may relax heart cells, reduce blood pressure and could help prevent blood clots. It is considered a mild sedative to relieve anxiety and calm the nervous system. It has been useful in regulating heartbeat and is considered an excellent heart tonic and mild diuretic. Motherwort inhibits blood platelet clumping and lowers lipid levels. It is said to stabilize thyroid functions, which is heart-helpful, since an overactive thyroid, coupled with stress, can increase heart rate. Some health practitioners recommend a program that includes hawthorn, garlic and motherwort to strengthen and support heart functions.

A simple tea, which can be drunk up to three times per day, can be made by infusing 1 teaspoon of the herb in 1 cup of boiling water and steeping for about 5 minutes. Since motherwort is very bitter, some find the tea more palatable when mixed with honey or maple syrup. Motherwort should not be used by pregnant women or given to children under two years of age. Some people may experience skin irritation from touching the plant, as the leaves are sharp-edged. The Coop carries Herb Pharm’s Bugleweed/ Motherwort Compound. While the Coop does not offer it in other forms, speak to someone in HaBA if you are interested in special ordering any other motherwort products.
 

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