Health Benefits
Drinking Motherwort feels like being hugged by a mother. We wrote about it in our blog in more detail, read about it here.
Heart Health
Relieves Anxiety
Healthy Reproductive System
Child Birth
Eases Menstruation
Anti-inflammatory
Skin Conditions and Shingles
Diuretic and digestion aid
Heart Health
As a cardiovascular tonic, Motherwort is hard to beat. Due to the presence of the chemical alkaloid leonurine, a mild vasodilator, this herb acts as an anti-spasmodic to relax smooth muscles, one of those muscles being the heart. Its calming nature has also been shown to slow heart palpitations and a rapid heartbeat, making it an excellent remedy for cardiac anxiety.
Motherwort helps regulate tachicardia (uneven heart beats), especially when due to stress and anxiety; this happens very quickly after dosage and can be a powerful ally for someone who feels their heart beat frequently due to tension and anxiety and especially for someone whose fear of having anxiety can turn into panic.
Other important compounds found in this plant include iridoid glycosides, which in conjunction with the plant alkaloids can help to decrease cholesterol and triglycerides, prevent blood clots and blood platelet aggregation, slow down heart rate and decrease blood pressure and improve heart circulation. Motherwort is considered more effective in lowering blood pressure than valerian (Valeriana officinalis), and the plant’s high content of vitamins A and C also add to its beneficial effect.
The herb has diuretic properties and may inhibit artery calcification formation. It is also used as a remedy for milder forms of Graves’ disease (an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid) and for hypertension.
Sometimes called “Mother’s hug in a bottle”, motherwort helps to nourish the emotional heart too. Indicated for grief, anger and upset, this plant is said to give the heart of a lion – calm yet strong.
Relieves Anxiety
Motherwort is thought to have a calming effect on the nervous system and could be an useful remedy for stress, insomnia, panic attacks and anxiety. The herb has many of the same health properties as valerian (Valeriana officinalis) and an alcoholic extract or extract of motherwort is considered to be more effective than preparations made from valerian.
If you are constantly stressed or anxious, a few drops at night can soothe your nerves and reduce levels of stress hormones, helping you get a full night’s sleep and a clear head in the morning.
Healthy Reproductive System
Most famous for its effects on reproductive health, this extract can soothe symptoms of menopause, while also optimizing the hormonal health of women of reproductive age.
Child Birth
Though it is not to be used until labour, motherwort can ease early labour pains if they begin prematurely. It can also alleviate the restlessness, anxiety, tension and insomnia some women experience during labour. Post natally, it is given to help the uterus relax and return to normal.
Eases Menstruation
As an emmenogogue, motherwort acts as a uterine tonic which helps to regulate menstruation, bring on delayed periods and can reduce smooth muscle cramping – particularly menstrual cramps.
Motherwort can also help relieve premenstrual tension and discomfort. Most menstrual cramps are partially due to inadequate circulation in the pelvis. Motherwort may help calm menstrual pain by both reducing spasms in the uterus and improving blood flow to the pelvis.
Anti-inflammatory
Motherwort is also a good anti-inflammatory agent and works well for swollen tonsils, joints, and arthritis.
Skin Conditions and Shingles
Motherwort also works well for treating eczema, psoriasis, and the irritation of shingles.
Diuretic and digestion aid
Motherwort helps with edema and water retention as a mild diuretic. This means that its also helpful to flush out your kidneys and bladder from any sand, stones or infection, as well as help your joints or arthritis by getting rid of the uric acid that causes inflammation and pain.
All bitter agents like motherwort help to soothe away digestive problems so have a cup of this amazing tea before a meal to help your digestive system function properly.