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Fertility Therapies mind-Body Fertility Pregnancy

Fertility Herb: Motherwort

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula
July 23, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

Midwives and herbalists revere Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) as a sacred plant for female health, on both a physical and emotional level. Motherwort is in the Lamiacea family, which is the mint family. The name Leonurus cardiaca has given this plant its other common names Lion’s ear, Lion’s tail, and Lion heart. The word cardiaca, indicates its use as a traditional heart remedy.

Herbalists use the flowering tops, leaves, and stalk as medicine for a variety of female reproductive ailments. In many ways, Motherwort is one of the greatest healing herbs for women. Women are emotional by nature; they endure many ups and downs while striving to figure out the responsibility and gift of being able to bring another life into this world, but also nurture the lives of others. Motherwort supports this process and prepares the uterus for childbirth, while calming anxiety and stress, and supporting the heart. This herb is very effective when taken for a few months, doing its job, and then allowing the woman to move on without it.

Researchers share in the journal BioMed Research International that Motherwort has been historically used for the improvement of several nervous afflictions; depression and postpartum depression, anxiety, stress, menopausal anxiety, headache and sleep disorder connected to psychoemotional issues as well. It is still very much used for these concerns today.

Hethir and I were discussing Motherwort the other day for some herbal blends we like. We talked about how easy it is to grow in your own garden. Because it is in the mint family, it is hearty and spreads in the garden easily; this can be either burdensome or a blessing, depending on how much you would like to grow. The Motherwort I have grown loved to spread its little seeds all around each autumn, creating new baby plants. I have seen herbalists let these seedlings grow until strong enough to transplant and make an entire garden of just Motherwort plants. If you are interested in making your own medicinal extracts or vinegar of this plant, growing your own Motherwort patch is a great idea! It loves full sun and shade. It can grow quite tall, over 6 ft or more. This plant is so delightful to grow on your own, that I urge you to try growing it this next spring!

Motherwort is commonly used to treat…

  • Amenorrhea (absent period/menstrual cycle)
  • Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)
  • Depression, anxiety, and stress associated with the menstrual cycle, or in life
  • Uterine Fibroids
  • Ovarian Cysts
  • Endometriosis
  • PMS

Uterine Tonic
Motherwort has been found to mildly stimulate the uterus, while also aiding the uterus to work efficiently in the case of bringing on menses for women with absent menstrual cycles, as well as those with painful periods. This herb contains the alkaloid leonurine, which has a relaxing effect on smooth muscle.

Painful Menstruation
It is a powerful herb that brings quick relief to women who have painful periods with symptoms like anxiety, rapid heartbeat, hot flashes, headache, dizziness, stress, and difficulty sleeping. This herb is very effective at reducing uterine muscle spasm, reducing cramping, and improving uterine tone.

Traditionally, Motherwort was used topically as an infused oil or as a poultice (fresh herb macerated as a pack) placed on the abdomen. This is usually done with some type of liquid, it could be alcohol, vinegar, witch hazel or hot water. The pack was placed on the abdomen to relieve menstrual cramping.

Heart Health for Long Term Fertility Health
Motherwort is nourishing to the heart by stimulating new capillary growth. A healthy heart enables our entire body, including the reproductive system to receive healthy, oxygenated blood. In a study in the The American Journal of Chinese Medicine of 105 patients, 94.5% of them showed an improvement in blood viscosity and reduction in fibrinogen content (clotting). This is important for proper blood flow. Hypertension is a risk factor for uterine cancer; Motherwort is extremely helpful in supporting proper heart and uterine health, which may help to prevent uterine cancer.

Because one of the main symptoms of hyperthyroidism is heart palpitations, many herbalists suggest Motherwort for treating hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism may lead to infertility if not taken care of.

Triple Goddess Blend for Ovarian Cysts
Famous western herbalist, Susun S. Weed, swears by a wonderful blend of 3 herbs she calls the Triple Goddess, for reducing ovarian cysts. This tincture blend is a Traditional Chinese Medicine blend. Equal parts of tincture made from fresh flowering tops of Maidenwort (Stellaria media), Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca), and Cronewort, also known as Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris). She suggests 1-2 dropperfuls, 3 times a day, to dissolve ovarian cysts.

Nicholas Culpepper (1616-1654) said, “there is no better herb to drive away melancholy vapours from the heart, to strengthen it and make the mind cheerful.” Culpepper is famous among herbalists as a wonderful botanist, herbalist, and herbal educator. He wrote many herbal books including Complete Herbal.

Traditional Suggested Usage of Motherwort

Motherwort has a very bitter taste and is most often tinctured into a liquid extract. It also is nice taken as a vinegar. Some brave people who love bitters do like to place a bit of this herb in an infusion.

Those who dare to drink this as an infusion: 1-2 tsp. of dried herb to 1 cup of water. Cover with boiling water, steep for 10-15 minutes. Drink 3 cups a day.

Dosage of liquid extract: 5-25 drops a day, 3 times a day.

Dosage of liquid extract for painful periods and PMS: 10-25 drops every 5 minutes and then every 2 hours for next few days, or until pain has subsided. This method should only need to be used this way for up to 4 months in a row.

If you are trying to conceive, it may be best to only use this herb as needed. If you suspect pregnancy, avoid this herb. *Do not use this herb into pregnancy because it has a uterine tonic and effect, stimulating mild uterine contractions. It is best used in preparation and healing prior to pregnancy. Motherwort is best not used during heavy menstrual bleeding, unless advised by a qualified herbalist or naturopathic doctor.

References

  • Weed. Susun S., (2011). Down There Sexual and Reproductive Health. Ash Tree Pub.: Woodstock, New York.
  • Fierascu, R.C.,  Fierascu, I., Ortan, A., et al.,  (2019). “Leonurus cardiaca L. as a Source of Bioactive Compounds: An Update of the European Medicines Agency Assessment Report (2010),” BioMed Research International, vol. 2019, Article ID 4303215, 13 pages. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/4303215. Retrieved from https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2019/4303215/cta/
  • Romm, Aviva. (2010). Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health. Churchill Livingstone: St. Louis, Missouri.
  • Zou QZ1, Bi RG, Li JM, Feng JB, Yu AM, Chan HP, Zhen MX. (1989). Effect of motherwort on blood hyperviscosity. Am J Chin Med. 1989;17(1-2):65-70. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2589238
  • Chevallier, Andrew. (1997). The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. DK Publishing: New York, New York.
  • Motherwort Plant Study & Tincture Making [Video file]. (2007, September 26). Retrieved from: https://learningherbs.com/herbmentor/
  • Motherwort with Rosalee [Video file]. (2011, January 1). Retrieved from: https://learningherbs.com/herbmentor/
  • Chevallier, A. (2016). The encyclopedia of herbal medicine:. New York: DK Publishing.

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About the Author

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula

Practicing natural health and herbalism for over 18 years, Dalene received her training and herbal certification under the guidance of Lynn Albers at Yarmony Mt. Herbal College in Colorado in 2000. She went on to become a Certified Birth Doula at Birthingway College of Midwifery in Portland, Oregon in 2007. As a Birth Doula, Dalene has helped to bring many new lives in to this world. Dalene has written 280+ fertility articles and with her vast array of herbal and holistic healing knowledge has helped 1000's of women on their journey to Motherhood.

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Based on new studies, we now know that this may not be true. 🤯

There are many factors that can have an impact on the health of the ovaries and eggs including environmental factors, hormones in the diet, and stress, just to name a few.

In addition, having healthy fertility is based on many additional aspects to consider, including:
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Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

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By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

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naturalfertilityinfo

View

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Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing

naturalfertilityinfo

View

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Based on new studies, we now know that this may not be true. 🤯

There are many factors that can have an impact on the health of the ovaries and eggs including environmental factors, hormones in the diet, and stress, just to name a few.

In addition, having healthy fertility is based on many additional aspects to consider, including:
➡️ Proper circulation
➡️ A healthy fertility cycle
➡️ Balanced hormones
➡️ Healthy eggs

Egg health is one of the cornerstones of healthy fertility. 

The health of your eggs (ova) can affect whether or not fertilization and implantation will occur as well as the viability of a pregnancy.

During the cycle of an egg’s journey towards ovulation, there is a window of opportunity, a period of time, when certain factors can affect the health of the eggs that are preparing for ovulation. ⏳

This journey takes about 90 days. 

The steps you take today will impact the health of your eggs 3 months from now. 

That is why I talk so much about taking a MINIMUM of 90 days to prepare for pregnancy or IVF/IUI. 

🙂 The good news is that there are steps you can take to help support the health of your eggs. There is too much info to put into this tiny caption but….

Type EGG if you would like me to send you my Egg Health Checklist that takes you through all of the steps to take.👇👇

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 20

Open
5 Steps you can take to help support your fertility naturally…. 👇

1️⃣ Cleanse and prepare the body for conception

2️⃣ Nourish the body with fertility supportive foods

3️⃣ Protect and remove any substances that are causing harm

4️⃣ Learn how to fertility chart and read your monthly cycle

5️⃣ Add lifestyle habits that help to support fertility health

🌼 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the 5 steps. 👇

#naturalfertility #fertilitytips #gettingpregnant #hormonehealth #hormonalhealth

naturalfertilityinfo

View

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Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

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By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

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View

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Open
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👇 Drop MEN in the comments below & I will send you my Male Fertility Checklist with all the details on which herbs, supplements and foods to focus on in addition to cleansing 👇

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View

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Do you have natural fertility questions? Type them below. We are happy to help!

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naturalfertilityinfo

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Open
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It's the first step we suggest for most couples when they start trying to get pregnant. 

With over 680 five star reviews, the Fertility Cleanse Kit is by far a customer favorite. 

You can find the Fertility Cleanse Kit on our website. Link in the bio... @naturalfertilityinfo

Want to learn more? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪
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