Motherwort

Common name: Yi mu cao

Botanical name: Leonurus cardiaca

Parts used and where grown

Motherwort came from central Eurasia originally, but has spread to all temperate areas of the world, primarily as a garden plant but also as an escaped weed. A similar plant, Leonurus heterophyllus, is used in China. The Chinese name for motherwort is yi mu cao, meaning “benefit mother herb.” The leaves and flowers of this mint family plant are used as medicine. In Chinese herbal medicine, the seeds are also employed.

Motherwort has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):

Science Ratings

Health Concerns

Amenorrhoea (lack of menses)

Anxiety

Menopause

Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2Stars

Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1Star

For a herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)

The use of motherwort is practically the same in European folk medicine and traditional Chinese herbal medicine. It was widely used to regulate menses and to treat associated conditions.¹ It was also considered a helpful diuretic and heart-strengthening herb by herbalists in both cultures, particularly to alleviate heart palpitations associated with anxiety attacks.² Europeans used motherwort as a sedative as well.³

Active constituents

The identities of the active constituents of motherwort are not entirely clear, though they likely include compounds in its volatile oil and the alkaloids. Little research has been done on motherwort in the West. Animal research performed in China suggests that motherwort alkaloids can calm the central nervous system and stimulate the uterus to contract.⁴ A report suggests that preliminary human trials have found that Chinese motherwort stimulates uterine contraction after delivery and may alleviate glomerulonephritis (kidney disease secondary to infection).⁵ However, insufficient details were provided to assess the quality or results of these studies.

How much is usually taken?

A tea can be prepared by steeping approximately 3/4 teaspoon (4.5 grams) of the cut herb in 1/2–3/4 cups (150 ml) of water.⁶ Three cups (750 ml) of the tea may be consumed daily. Alternatively, a tincture, 1/2–3/4 teaspoon (2–4 ml) three times per day, can be taken.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

One source suggests that a single application of motherwort extract (concentration not reported) in excess of 3 grams may cause diarrhoea, uterine bleeding, and stomach irritation.⁷ It should be avoided in pregnancy as large amounts may cause uterine contraction and potential miscarriage.⁸

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with motherwort.

References
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1. Foster S. Herbal Renaissance. Layton UT: Gibbs Smith Publisher, 1993, 151–2.

2. Weiss RF. Meuss AR (trans). Herbal Medicine. Gothenberg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum and Beaconsfield: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1985, 186–7.

3. Weiss RF. Meuss AR (trans). Herbal Medicine. Gothenberg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum and Beaconsfield: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1985, 186–7.

4. Bensky D, Gamble A, Kaptchuk T. Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica, rev ed. Seattle: Eastland Press, 1993, 273–4.

5. Bensky D, Gamble A, Kaptchuk T. Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica, rev ed. Seattle: Eastland Press, 1993, 273–4.

6. Blumenthal M (ed). Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Integrative Medical Communications, 2000, 267–9.

7. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A (eds). American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1997, 68–9.

8. Bensky D, Gamble A, Kaptchuk T. Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica, rev ed. Seattle: Eastland Press, 1993, 273–4.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.