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Herbs & Supplements
Leonurus cardiaca
Scientific Name: Motherwort
Other Names: Lion's Ear, Lion's Tail, Throw-wort
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Uses
As its name suggests, motherwort is best known for its use in conditions affecting women. It contains chemicals that affect the uterus in several ways, including the promotion of menstrual blood flow. It has been used to start delayed periods and, if taken on a continual basis, it may help abnormal menstrual cycles to become more regular. Due to antispasmodic effects, motherwort may also help to restore uterine muscle tone after the birth of a baby. An antispasmodic lessens or prevents muscle cramps. Motherwort may also have relaxing effects on the nervous system, making it potentially useful for relieving both the physical symptoms (such as bloating and cramps) and the emotional symptoms (such as irritability) of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause.
Motherwort has also been used to treat irregular heartbeat. Although the exact reasons for this possible effect are not known, chemicals in motherwort may exert a regulating effect on the heartbeat. They also may cause blood vessels to relax, possibly improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure. In studies of laboratory animals, motherwort has reduced blood pressure and slowed heartbeats that are too fast. It may be particularly effective when the heart speeds up due to nervousness.
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Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
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