Leonorus cardiaca, Motherwort

Common Names

Lion's ear, lion's tail, Roman motherwort, throw-wort

History

An important herb since Roman times, the name Leonurus is derived from a Greek word meaning lion's tail, describing the shaggy shape of the leaves. The ancient Greeks used motherwort to relieve anxiety in new mothers. Early herbals recommend the plant for 'wykked sperytis'. Culpeper said, 'There is no better herb to drive melancholy vapours from the heart, to strengthen it and make the mind cheerful, blithe and merry. Chinese herbalists use the related species L. heterophyllus mainly for menstrual disorders, raised blood pressure, heart disease and conjunctivitis. The aerial parts (yi mu cao) are also used for eczema and sores, while the seeds (chong wei zi) are used for menstrual irregularities, and as a circulatory stimulant. They are also believed to act specifically on the liver, and are therefore especially effective on the eyes to 'brighten the vision'. A weak decoction of the seeds may be used in conjunctivitis, or sore and tired eyes.

Medicinal uses

Nervine, cardiac tonic, hypotensive, Emmenogogue (please see Glossary)

Cardiac debility, simple tachycardia, effort syndrome, amenorrhoea. Specifically indicated in cardiac symptoms associated with neurosis.

Benefits

Leonurus is an excellent heart tonic, and research has shown that it is able to calm palpitations, tachycardia and irregular heartbeats. It is a specific remedy for tachycardia caused by anxiety, and may be used in all heart conditions associated with anxiety and tension. Treatment should normally be continued for several months. The alkaloid leonurine produces central nervous depressant and hypotensive effects in animals, and stachydrine may also be involved. The glycosides have a short-term ability to lower blood pressure.

Leonurus is valuable in the stimulation of suppressed or delayed menstruation, and to ease dysmenorrhoea, especially where there is anxiety or tension involved. It may be used to ease false labour pains, and the infusion, taken after childbirth, will help restore the uterus and reduce the risk of post-partum bleeding. The alkaloids encourage and ease uterine contractions. It is also helpful during the menopause. The infusion or diluted tincture may be used as a douche for vaginal infections and discharges. Other indications include diarrhoea. In Germany the plant is used as an adjuvant in treatment of an overactive thyroid gland.

Warnings

Leonurus is a uterine stimulant and so should be avoided in pregnancy, although it may be used during labour. Stachydrine has the effect of hastening childbirth. Chinese research on L. heterophyllus has shown that decoctions of the plant are as effective as ergotamine in causing the uterus to contract after delivery. Contact with the plant may cause dermatitis in susceptible individuals.

Special thanks to www.purplesage.org.uk