Common Motherwort Leonurus Cardiaca Motherwort Herb Extract.

article content dotArticle Content:

Archeology of Motherwort.

Motherwort Herb Extract Leonurus Cardiaca photo picture image Motherwort is also known by the name Lion's Ear. Motherwort originally came from central Eurasia, but has now spread to all temperate areas of the world, primarily as a garden plant, but also as an escaped weed. The leaves and flowers of this mint family plant are used medicinally. In Chinese herbal medicine, the seeds are also employed. The use of Motherwort is practically the same in European folk medicine and traditional Chinese herbal medicine - to regulate menses and to treat associated conditions. The genus name Leonurus is derived from a Latin word "leo", meaning "lions", and a Greek word "oura", meaning "tail", in reference to the leaf's shaggy shape (like a lion's tail). The species name cardiaca is from the Greek word "kardiaca", meaning "heart". A similar plant, Leonurus heterophyllus, is used in China. The Chinese name for this plant is "yi mu cao", meaning benefit mother herb".

 As its Latin name cardiaca suggests, Motherwort has traditionally been used to treat heart conditions. The ancient Greeks and Romans employed Motherwort to treat heart palpitations as well as depression, which they considered a problem of the heart. Centuries later, Europeans would believe Motherwort helpful for "infirmities of the heart", but also considered the herb to have strengthening and stimulating effects on the uterus, using it to bring on a delayed menstrual period, as an aid during labor, and to relax a woman's womb after childbirth. These uses of Motherwort also correspond well with those in traditional Chinese medicine, which employs another Asian variety, Leonurus artemisia, to treat menstrual disorders or to help a woman expel a dead fetus and placenta from her womb. In eastern China, women still drink a syrup made from Motherwort to promote the recovery of the uterus after childbirth; the herb has a strong bitter taste, so visitors to a recovering mother often bring along sugar as a gift. Europeans used Motherwort as a sedative as well, inducing tranquility in times of anxiety, or when there is restlessness during fevers. Germany's Commission E has authorized Motherwort for the treatment of heart disorders caused by anxiety and stress, as well as part of an overall treatment plan for an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). These two uses are linked by the fact that both stress and high levels of thyroid hormone can increase the heart rate. Motherwort is an excellent heart tonic, and research has shown that it is able to calm palpitations, tachycardia and irregular heartbeats. The primary chemical constituents of Motherwort include alkaloids (stachydrine, leonurinine), ursolic acid, flavonoids (quercetin, rutin), bitter glycosides (leonurine, leonuridin), caffeic acid, essential oil, tannins, resin, beta carotene, and potassium.

 Especially valuable for PMS, menstrual pain and delayed menstruation. Gentle sedative. Helps calm the entire nervous system. Strengthens the heart and often prescribed for palpitations.

 These uses of motherwort correspond well with those in traditional Chinese medicine, which employs the Asian variety, Leonurus artemisia, to treat menstrual disorders or to help a woman expel a dead fetus and placenta from her womb. In China, women still drink a syrup made from motherwort to promote the recovery of the uterus after childbirth; the herb has a strong bitter taste, so visitors to a recovering mother often bring along sugar as a gift.

 One component of Motherwort, ursolic acid, appears to possess antiviral and anti-tumor properties. However, a highly preliminary animal study suggests that Motherwort can both inhibit or stimulate the growth of breast tumors. The alkaloid leonurine produces central nervous depressant and hypotensive effects in animals, and stachydrine may also be involved. The glycosides have a short-term ability to lower blood pressure. Chinese research has found that this herb reduces blood platelet aggregation and decreases levels of blood lipids.

Last PageNext Page

Reference:

citations1.Common Motherwort Leonurus Cardiaca Motherwort Herb Extract.

last edit date:27th,May.2009.