“Faint of heart? Fear no more—Motherwort is here to hold you.”

Known to the botanical world as Leonurus cardiaca, Motherwort’s name tells you everything you need to know. Translated from Latin, it means “Lion Heart”—a fitting name for an herb that offers strength, steadiness, and comfort in times of emotional storm.

What’s in a Name?

Plant names are often rooted in science, geography, or tradition—but sometimes, they reveal the plant’s soul. Whoever named Motherwort clearly knew her spirit well. This isn’t a plant that hides her gifts. She shows up like a strong, loving hug: grounding, softening, and reminding you that, truly, everything will be okay.

This herb has long been cherished for her calming qualities, especially when the heart feels fluttery or the nervous system is running on fumes. Whether it’s stress, anxiety, or an achy emotional heaviness, Motherwort moves gently through the body like a wise maternal figure, restoring a sense of calm.

Emotional & Physical Support

Motherwort is particularly supportive for those who experience:

• Nervous heart palpitations

• Stress-related insomnia

• Menstrual discomfort and irregularity

• Emotional sensitivity, especially around the moon cycle

For women, she offers a powerful ally during times of hormonal upheaval—gently easing cramping, balancing cycles, and helping the body move through emotional and physical tension. She’s also deeply nourishing for postpartum recovery or those coming off hormonal birth control.

And despite her nickname, this isn’t just an herb for women—Motherwort’s support for the heart and nervous system is for anyone who needs it.

The Lion-Heart Legacy

There’s a reason herbalists across centuries have reached for Motherwort when hearts felt overwhelmed or weary. She isn’t flashy or trendy—she’s reliable. A quiet force that strengthens the heart, eases tension, and helps the body exhale.

If you feel the world pressing in, if your nervous system is fried, or if you’re navigating emotional waters—consider calling on this lion-hearted friend.

Let Motherwort wrap you in her steadiness. Let her remind you of your strength.

MATERIA MEDICA

Latin Name: Leonurus cardiaca

Common Name(s): Motherwort

Geographic Distribution: Grows throughout the temperate regions of the world in sunny areas

Primary Uses:

• May quite anxiety and nervous heart palpitations
• Has an affinity for the female reproductive areas, helps with menopause and PMS by gently stimulating the liver to move excess hormones through
• Specific for cramping associated with delayed menses,
• Amenorrhea (lack of a period) with bearing down lumbar pain
• Will bring on the menses if feeling delayed or repressed
• Can restore the menses when it is repressed due to higher regulatory centers
• Good to bring on the menses when it won’t return after going off BC
• Good for helping with uterine drainage, will tone the uterine muscles
• Strengthens without straining the heart, is lionhearted, a warrior plant, it gives strength to the emotional heart
• Good for insomnia related to stress and anxiety
• Good for women who are feeling particularly sensitive emotionally

Preparation & Dosing:

• Tincture – Fresh Plant 1:2, Recently Dry Plant, 1:5, 60% alcohol; 30-60 drops
• Tea – standard infusion (not a good tasting tea, best as a tincture)

Energetics: Bitter, cool

Parts Affected: Heart, uterus, nervous system

Actions:

• relaxant
• cardiac relaxant
• anti-spasmodic
• emmenagogue
• stimulates the uterus
• relaxes the heart
• nervine

Biochemical Constituents: Alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, caffeic acid

Cautions:

• May disrupt the menstrual cycle in high doses
• Do not take while pregnant
• Do not take if menses is heavy

Resources:

• Bennett, R.R (2014). The gift of healing herbs. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
• Corbett, Sarah. (2021). Motherwort Monograph. Rowan + Sage Herbaria Membership. Retrieved from https://community.rowanandsage.com/c/materiamedica/motherwort
• Edwards, G.F. (2000). Opening our wild hearts to the healing herbs. Woodstock, NY: Ash Tree Publishing.
• Eich, K. (2009). Motherwort: Healing the Anxious Heart and Mind. Retrieved September 2014 from http://www.redrootmountain.com/motherwort-healing-the-anxious-heart-and-mind/53
• Foster, S. (1993). Herbal renaissance. Layton, UT: Peregrine Smith Books.
• Hardin, K. R. (2013). 10 Reasons to Love Motherwort. Retrieved September 2014 from http://bearmedicineherbals.com/10-reasons-to-love-motherwort.html
• Hoffmann, David (2003). Medical herbalism. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
• McIntyre, A. (1996). Flower power. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company, Inc.
• Shikov, A. N., Pozharitskaya, O. N., Makarov, V. G., Demchenko, D. V. and Shikh, E. V. (2011). Effect of Leonurus cardiaca oil extract in patients with arterial hypertension accompanied by anxiety and sleep disorders. Phytotherapy Research, 25: 540–543. doi:10.1002/ptr.3292
• Herbarium Monograph: https://herbarium.theherbalacademy.com/monograph/motherwort/