How to Harvest Motherwort

Users and supporters of motherwort suggest that the herb calms heart palpitations, relieves grief and elevates mood, but clinical research has not been conducted to verify these claims. Daily use of more than 3 g of powdered motherwort extract may lead to diarrhea, stomach irritation or uterine bleeding. Do not use motherwort during pregnancy. Motherwort is a perennial that grows up to about 5 feet tall on square stems and blooms with pink or purple, hairy flowers. The flowers are harvested between June and September in the Northern Hemisphere and December through May in the Southern Hemisphere.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears or scissors

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Cut the flowering top of the plant from the stalk with pruning shears or scissors when the plant is in full bloom.

   • 2

     Cut the harvested stem into small pieces and put the pieces, including the blooms and leaves, into a jar to make a tincture.

   • 3

     Hang the stems upside down to dry the motherwort herb to make a powdered motherwort extract.