Motherwort the Lionheart Herb
Motherwort’s bond with the lion is etched in her form, reminiscent of a lion’s tail, and underscores her role in embodying courage and strength. The herb is traditionally used to soothe anxiety, provide protection, and boost courage in times of need. Physically, it’s been employed to address issues related to the heart, digestion, nerves, and the womb space.
Leonurus cardiaca
PLANT
ESSENCE
ELEMENT
Fire
Water
Earth
POLARITY
Negative (Yin)
INNER GUIDE
Heart / Intuition
STAR SIGN
Leo
FAMILIAR
Lion/ess
GIFTS
Protection
Courage
Inner Strength
Emotional Relief
Heightened Intuition
Nurturing Care
Grounding
Motherwort’s Latin name, Leonurus cardiaca, translates as “Leonurus,” meaning “lion’s tail,” and “cardiaca,” meaning “of the heart.” Despite its association with a lion’s strength, its yin nature offers a soothing, nurturing energy.
The name reflects its dual nature: fierce in protection, yet gentle in healing.
PLANT FAMILY
Mint
Lamiaceae
Affiliate Disclaimer
This website is supported by its audience and contains affiliate links. An affiliate link means I may earn advertising or referral fees at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. (read more)
I am not a medical professional. Rewild + Grow was created for informational and historical purposes only. Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns, particularly if you have any serious medical conditions, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking prescriptions.
CELESTIAL PATTERNS
The Motherwort plant emerges in early Spring, forming a spiraling rosette of bright green leaves.
Lionheart Herb
Motherwort blooms during Leo season, a time when celestial influence can feel extra imposing. Leo season often brings stresses related to high expectations and the intense drive for recognition, which can lead to pressure and conflicts with one’s self-image. The heightened focus on public perception and emotional intensity can amplify personal challenges.
Motherwort’s blooms, akin to a roaring maw, echo the lioness’ fierce presence. The Queen of the Pride, famed for her bravery, inspires us to summon our own inner strength and resilience amidst the trials of Leo season.
LEAVES
As the plant matures, it displays distinctively shaped tri-pointed leaves representing its ability to protect in all three stages of a woman’s life as the maiden, the mother, and the wise woman (crone).
Motherwort gently guides us through our fears, empowering us to reclaim our innate bravery and realize our full potential, all while standing as a steadfast shield against inner turmoil. This is evident in her serrated leaves, symbolizing protection and serving as a physical reminder of the herb’s commitment to safeguarding us during intense periods.
CALYX
Just as a lion’s claws are essential for protection, Motherwort’s five-spiked green calyx forms a protective outer layer around its delicate flowers. The thorns, which sharpen as the growing season progresses, guard the flowers until they are fertilized and subsequently fall off.
While Motherwort is a protector, she is also a nurturer, deeply intertwined with the emotional and intuitive realms. Her tender flowers show us she is here to offer comfort and peace during emotional strife.
NUTLETS
Eventually, a cross or X shape forms in the center of the calyx, outlining the four developing fruits, known as nutlets. As the calyx structure begins to break down, it dislodges the nutlets, which fall to the ground. After the nutlets are released, the calyx turns brown and becomes quite stiff as it persists through winter. The initial X shape, resembling a wheel, the four directions, or the seasons, symbolizes the cyclical support provided by Motherwort.
Leo, a fixed fire sign, embodies stability, strength, and consistency (at its best), qualities mirrored by Motherwort in her effects on the heart and body. Just as Leo has the potential to maintain a steady presence, Motherwort stabilizes erratic heart rhythms and grounds nervous energy, acting as a pillar of support when the cardiovascular system becomes unsteady. Her sturdy structure and deep root system are a testament to her role as a grounding force, reflecting Motherwort’s fortitude and making her a valuable remedy for overwhelmed and high-strung individuals.
Astrologically, Motherwort is a Fire herb, linked to Leo season, but with her cooling energetics that counter Leo’s fiery intensity, she also embodies the nurturing qualities of Water and Earth, steadying and soothing heat-related imbalances.
Wild Medicine
HEALING
PROFILE
PARTS USED
Leaves
Flowers
Stems
ENERGETICS
Cooling
Drying
FLAVOR
Bitter
Acrid
AROMA
Herbaceous
Earthy
TISSUE STATES
Constriction
Atrophy
Cold
CAUTION
Motherwort isn’t recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or for those with bleeding disorders, low blood pressure, or heart conditions. Allergies to mint family plants are also a concern.
Motherwort has a special connection to several systems in the body: it supports the digestive system, liver, nervous system, cardiovascular system (especially the heart and blood vessels), and the female reproductive system, with a particular focus on the uterus.
INDICATIONS
Anxiety + Stress
Palpitations
Tachycardia
Hypertension
Menstrual +
Menopausal Symptoms
Emotional Imbalance
Postpartum Recovery
Uterine Conditions
ACTIONS
Relaxant
Nervine Sedative
Astringent
Spasmolytic
Emmenagogue
Anti-inflammatory
Cardiotonic
Digestive System
Motherwort’s bitter flavor supports digestion, particularly for those dealing with anxiety-related digestive issues. The bitter taste stimulates a parasympathetic response through the vagus nerve, which not only relaxes the body but also enhances digestion by boosting bile production and increasing gastric secretions to prime digestion. This response creates a “grounding effect” or downward baring effect, helping to drain excess fluids and reduce internal heat. By calming the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, Motherwort also eases bloating, gas, and cramping, making it effective for digestive discomfort linked to emotional stress.
Nervous System
Motherwort’s cooling energy calms the autonomic nervous system, which governs involuntary functions. It helps alleviate the physical symptoms of stress, such as elevated heart rate and blood pressure. The herb’s influence on neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA, essential for mood regulation, contributes to its effectiveness in easing anxiety. A 2011 study involving 50 participants with high blood pressure, anxiety, and sleep disorders found that after 28 days of Motherwort treatment, 32% experienced significant improvements in anxiety and depression symptoms, while 48% showed moderate improvements.
Beyond its impact on the nervous system, Motherwort’s relaxing and astringent actions soothe inflammation and relieve stress-related conditions like panic attacks, nervousness, irritability, and insomnia.
“There is no better herb to drive melancholy vapors from the heart…”
NICHOLAS CULPEPER
Cardiovascular
System
Motherwort’s affinity for the heart is reflected in its thorny flower axils, which grow in a syncopated pattern along the stem, much like a heartbeat. As both a cardiotonic and a nervine, this herb is valued for its ability to stabilize the heart by lowering heart rate and reducing blood pressure. It is particularly effective for conditions like arrhythmia, angina, and poor heart muscle tone. Signs that indicate the need for Motherwort include palpitations, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeat. This bitter nature also means that it is cooling and sedates excess heat, a pattern that is particularly damaging to the heart and cardiovascular system.
A study showed ursolic acid, a key compound in Motherwort, contributes to cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation and potentially slowing heart disease progression. For enhanced heart support, Motherwort pairs well with Hawthorn, another herb renowned for supporting heart health, creating a powerful synergy that nurtures and strengthens the cardiovascular system.
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Motherwort, may be known as “mothers-herb,” but it isn’t just for mothers. It supports women through every phase of life, from menarche to menopause. Its close connection to the heart reflects its role in nurturing and sustaining life, making it a valuable ally for women at every stage.
During childbirth, Motherwort can be taken internally or applied topically to help expel retained lochia and ease labor pains. It supports labor by initiating contractions and reducing childbirth pain.
FLOWERS
Motherwort’s pink and purple-hued flowers, with their flared oblong opening, delicate folding petals, and protective exterior hairs, resemble a woman’s yoni, indicating its affinity for the female reproductive system.
Post-labor, it assists with placenta expulsion, prevents postpartum infections, relieves postpartum blues, and addresses delayed menstruation, cramps, and backache.
Its benefits extend into menopause, reducing hot flashes and mood swings. Motherwort is also beneficial for those transitioning off hormonal birth control, helping to reestablish a natural cycle by clearing synthetic hormones from the liver and stabilizing emotional fluctuations. It can also be used in douches or vaginal steams to address infections such as candida and bacterial vaginosis.
Applications
MOTHERWORT TINCTURE
Leonurine, the active compound in Motherwort, is easily extracted into water and alcohol, making it well-suited for tinctures. Given the herb’s intensely bitter taste, many people prefer the tincture form over tea for its more palatable nature.
Motherwort tincture acts quickly as both a tonic and a calmative, ideal for acute situations. It helps to soothe nerves, slow the heart rate during moments of heightened anxiety, and address menstrual or menopausal concerns. Typically, 20-30 drops of Motherwort tincture can alleviate the intensity of cramps, hot flashes, and hormonal mood swings within about half an hour, offering swift relief.
MOTHERWORT OIL
Create a beautiful massage oil or salve to soothe cramping muscles. Start by filling a glass jar with dried motherwort, then pour your preferred oil—such as olive, jojoba, hempseed, or apricot kernel—over the herb until it’s completely submerged. Seal the jar tightly and shake it daily for 2-3 weeks, keeping it on a warm, sunny windowsill. After this infusion period, strain out the herbs using cheesecloth. To transform your infused oil into a salve, melt a tablespoon of shaved beeswax for every 4 ounces of strained oil over low heat in a double boiler. Once the beeswax has fully melted, pour the mixture into small glass or metal tins and allow it to cool. Your homemade oil or salve is now ready to be applied liberally to sore muscles for relief.
Cultivate
TEND
Motherwort, native to central Asia and southeastern Europe, has become invasive in the Midwest, spreading rapidly in gardens, fields, and along roadsides. Its aggressive growth can crowd out native species, disrupting local ecosystems. Because of its invasive nature, it is not recommended to plant Motherwort in its non-native lands. However, since it is not a protected plant, harvesting it is encouraged to help manage its spread while still benefiting from its long history of use in herbal remedies.
HARVEST
Motherwort is typically ready for harvest in mid to late summer, usually between July and September, depending on your region. The ideal time to harvest is early in the morning, just after the dew has dried, when the plant is in full bloom and the flowers are beginning to open. This is when the medicinal compounds are most concentrated. Harvest the top third of the plant including the buds and flowers and connecting leaves and stems. Hang upside down in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area to allow the cuttings to dry completely. Once fully dried, gently remove the leaves and flowers from the stems and store them in an airtight jar, away from direct sunlight. Motherwort can maintain its potency for up to one year.
SOURCES
• The Herbal Academy
• by Matthew Wood
• Medical Herbalism: the Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine by David Hoffmann
• The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: a Medicine-Making Guide by Thomas Easley and Steven Horne
• Microscopy UK (Photos by Brian Johnston)
• iNaturalist (Creative Commons Photos)
• SERNEC (Photos)
PREVIOUS
NEXT
0 Comments