What Is the Motherwort Herb?

Identification

• Motherwort plants grow between 2 and 5 feet tall. They have erect, four-sided, slightly hairy plant stems, hairy leaf stems and opposite leaves. The leaves near the top of the plant are about 2 inches long, with oval forms and slightly serrated margins; the leaves in the middle of the plant have three lobes, deeply serrated margins, and are approximately 3 inches long, while the leaves at the bottom have ive lobes, coarsely toothed margins and are about 4 inches long. The plants produce clusters of purplish-pink blossoms. Each blossom yields four small brown nutlets. (see references 1 and 3)

Growing Requirements

• Motherwort plants can grow in either partial shade or full sunlight. They require nutrient-rich, well-drained moist soil. The plants shed their leaves and the stems wilt when the soil becomes too dry. They reproduce vegetatively using underground stems called rhizomes; they also self-seed and flower between July and September. Various species of bees pollinate the flowers. Wild motherwort plants do not usually survive cultivation attempts, according to the Ohio Perennial and Biennial Weed Guide, but some commercial nurseries carry cultivated varieties as medicinal herbs.

History

• Herbalists around the world have treated patients with motherwort for thousands of years. Ancient Greek and Roman physicians believed that motherwort helped treat depression and heart problems. The Europeans thought that motherwort was useful for treating heart problems and female reproductive issues, and some herbologists such as M. Grieves suggested that it improved the patient's general mood, according to Herbalist.com. Chinese herbalists recommended it for women who were recovering from childbirth or a miscarriage. Native Americans taught 19th century American physicians how to use motherwort to treat gynecological problems.

Benefits and Drawbacks

• Some herbalists recommend motherwort as a mild sedative. It contains compounds called stachydine and leonurine that may help calm the nervous system and reduce high blood pressure. It also contains a flavonoid, quercetin, that might help to inhibit viruses and strengthen blood vessels. Motherwort might cause stomach upset or allergic reactions, and the NYU Langone Medical Center recommends that women avoid the herb if they are pregnant, nursing, or are in a high-risk category for breast cancer. Motherwort can interact with other medications, so patients should consult a physician before using the herb.