Uses of Motherwort

Irregular Heartbeat

• Motherwort is used as an herbal supplement to treat irregular heartbeat associated with hyperthyroidism, as well as other symptoms of the disease, according to the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Apparently, the Greeks and Romans used motherwort to treat heart conditions because it has the effect of slowing the heartbeat to a more normal rate. It also treats the rapid heartbeat resulting from anxiety or stress. The Medical Center cites one test tube trial in which motherwort successfully slowed a rat's heartbeat.

Menstruation and Pregnancy

• As is apparent from its name, motherwort is used to treat certain conditions particular to females. The plant is used in Western and Chinese medicine to treat menstrual disorders and to stimulate as well as soothe the uterus. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center reports that low concentrations of one particular compound, leonurine, "induced uterine contractions, while high concentrations inhibited contractions." In China, women take a motherwort syrup after childbirth to relax the uterus, but the Medical Center is careful to point out that there are no "properly designed studies" to back up these claims. Pregnant women should not take motherwort because of its apparent effect of both soothing and stimulating the uterus; there is a fear that use of the plant by pregnant women could cause miscarriage.

Shingles

• WebMD reports that some people apply motherwort directly to the skin to treat shingles and the itchiness associated with the disease. Shingles is a viral infection caused by chicken pox. It usually causes a painful rash on the left or right side of the body. Dr. Ray Sahelian, M.D., reports that motherwort was very helpful to the ancient Chinese, for whom contagious skin problems were an issue. They would use the leafy shoots in a soothing bath.