Motherwort
Leonurus cardiaca
Also known as Lion's-ear, Lion's-tail, Lion's-tart, and Throwwort
History: Orientals attribute prolonged life to the Motherwort herb. According to Chinese legend, an emperor, assumed the throne at the young age of seven, was alarmed by predictions that he would not live to the age of fourteen. After extensively searching for a remedy to prolong his life, he chose to make a Motherwort tea and lived to in his 70's. In Europe, Motherwort was used as a remedy for heart disease and a pain reliever during labor.
Modern Uses: The Commission E approved motherwort herb for nervous cardiac disorders and as an adjuvant for thyroid hyperfunction. It has been used as a sedative, hypotensive, cardiotonic, and antispasmodic (Bradley, 1992; Newall et al., 1996). The herb has been given to patients who have neuropathic cardiac disorders and cardiac complaints of nervous origin (Bradley, 1992). Traditionally it has been used for cardiac debility, simple tachycardia, effort syndrome, amenorrhea, and cardiac symptoms associated with neurosis.
Active Ingredients: Bitter glycosides including leonurin and leonuridine, alkaloids including leonuinine and stachydrene, tanin
Actions: Sedative, emmenagogue, anti-spasmodic, cardiac tonic, hepatic, nervine