06/09/2026
Motherwort is a wonderful ally for anxiety, especially when heart palpitations or tightness in the chest are present. This supportive herb is a cardiac nervine, calming and strengthening the heart and vasculature. The action of relaxing the vasculature helps to lower blood pressure and can help to lower a fever. Motherwort also soothes and strengthens the emotional heart, allowing us to soften into our hearts and express from our true selves rather than reacting from stress; it does this by strengthening the parasympathetic nervous system (the branch of the autonomic nervous system that helps us to feel calm and relaxed). The Latin name for Motherwort is Leonurus cardiaca, which means “lion-hearted;” when we express from our heart/our true selves, rather than reacting to the world around us, there is a steady confidence that arises.
This plant is a very effective emmenagogue and is used for amenorrhea (lack of me**es). It can bring on me**es rather quickly; I recommend avoiding taking Motherwort during me**es if you are prone to heavier bleeding, as it will make it even heavier, but if you have scant bleeding, especially with tension in the uterus, Motherwort can relax the uterus and move the blood.
This plant is VERY bitter, so I do not recommend drinking it as a tea! Tincture is my preferred way of taking Motherwort.