An herbal remedy originally prescribed to pregnant women suffering from anxiety, motherwort accepted its name from this original purpose – referring to “mothers herb” or “mother wort.” Since its initial prescription, however, the herb has taken on many different purposes. Today, motherwort is an oft used herb that offers a variety of benefits for the nervous system as well as the cardiovascular system.
Scientifically known as Leonurus cardiac, motherwort is a plant native to Europe and Asia. It is believed that the colonists introduced the traditional herbal remedy to North America, which now serves as an amiable environment for the plant.
A member of the mint family, motherwort has a square stem that separates it from other common herbs. Likewise, it has a hardy root system that spreads readily, making it a fairly easy plant to grow.
The herb has a number of medicinal applications that center on the herb’s natural tendency to relax the body. The herb also acts as a mild diuretic and a limited antibacterial agent.
Motherwort has a number of innate characteristics that situate it as an effective treatment option and herbal remedy. The plant contains a natural chemical alkaloid leonurine, which serves as a mild vasodilator. This property makes motherwort an effective anti-spasmodic that relaxes the muscles, particularly the heart. The herb also aids in decreasing blood clotting, cleansing the fat in the blood, and decreasing blood pressure.
In addition to its effects as a cardiovascular treatment, motherwort also eases stress and anxiety. As it naturally calms the body and relaxes the muscles, the herb also relieves the neurons and nervous system. The herb is also capable of elevating mood, relieving nervous debility, and improving sleep.
As such, motherwort is often used to treat a variety of common conditions. Multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue, neuralgia, hypothyroidism, menopause, premenstrual syndrome, insomnia and a variety of other conditions have been effectively treated using the herb.
Motherwort is an herb with a long history of effective medical use. While it initially was used in treating a singular condition, its use has greatly expanded today, making it an effective option for a wide range of conditions.
