True motherwort

The true motherwort, which is also known as lion's tail and heartwort, as well as by its Latin name Leonurus cardiaca, is a plant species from the labiate family whose parts growing above the ground are used to make medicine. Cardiaca is used to treat heart conditions including heart failure, irregular heartbeat, rapid heartbeat and heart symptoms due to anxiety. It is also used for missed menstrual periods, flatulence and an overactive thyroid gland. Some people apply motherwort directly to the skin for itching and shingles. The seeds of two species (Leonurus artemisia and Leonurus heterophyllus) are used to improve eyesight and as a general tonic.

How does true motherwort work?

Motherwort may reduce the heart rate and thin the blood. It may also stimulate uterine tone and blood flow.

How effective is real motherwort?

There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of motherwort for heart disease, hyperthyroidism, itching, shingles, flatulence and missed menstrual periods. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of motherwort in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Motherwort is potentially safe and harmless for most people. Possible side effects include diarrhea, stomach irritation, uterine bleeding, drowsiness and allergic reactions. Contact with the skin may cause skin rashes and increased sensitivity to sunlight.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: It is not safe to take motherwort during pregnancy and should be avoided. Motherwort can stimulate the uterus and could cause miscarriages. Breastfeeding mothers should also avoid using motherwort. Not enough is known about the safety of motherwort during breastfeeding.

Heart disease: Motherwort may interfere with the treatment of heart disease. If you suffer from heart disease, you should consult your doctor before using motherwort.

Operations: True motherwort can slow down the functioning of the central nervous system. There are concerns that true motherwort may reduce central nervous system function too much when combined with anesthetics or other medications used during or after surgery. For this reason, the use of motherwort should be discontinued at least 2 weeks prior to upcoming surgery.

Uterine bleeding: Motherwort may stimulate blood flow to the uterus, which is why some women use it to induce menstruation. If you suffer from uterine bleeding, you should use motherwort with caution as it may aggravate this condition.

Interactions

You should not combine motherwort with the following medications:

Sedatives (CNS suppressing agents)

Motherwort may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Drugs that cause drowsiness are called sedatives. Taking motherwort in combination with sedatives could increase drowsiness too much.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of motherwort depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for motherwort. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

1. Zou QZ, Bi RG, Li JM, et al. Effect of motherwort on blood hyperviscosity. Am J Chin Med 1989;17:65-70.