Hawthorn, valerian, lavender, and peppermint are familiar ingredients in heart drops. But have you heard that motherwort plays an equally prominent role in this potion? It is unrivaled in its calming and heart-boosting properties. It also has many other benefits that are not well known. Find out how motherwort tea can help alleviate hectic days and encourage better day-to-day well-being. And what motherwort tea benefits should be discovered.
It is a surprise to many people that motherwort is unfamiliar with lions. Coincidentally, Nicholas Culpeper described motherwort as a beneficial herb to remove melancholy from the heart and improve cheerfulness.
So, the name already tells us that motherwort can soothe even the worst anxieties and uncontrollable heart palpitations. The Latin Leonurus cardiaca confirmed those features, which could be translated as leo as ‘lions,’ oura as ‘tail,’ and cardiaca as ‘heart treater.’ You can easily find this grass in meadows and gardens in Europe. On the other hand, it is a fairly abundant plant that many people have not identified yet. However, once you know all the properties of motherwort, you are guaranteed to look for it in your grandmother’s nursery. And if you don’t find it, ask the nearest pharmacy.
How Do I Identify Motherwort?
Motherwort is native to many parts of Europe and Asia. Actually, it grows not in meadows but near home: in patios, roadsides, and shrublands. It is a perennial, easily recognizable by its long, woody stem reaching up to 1.5 meters in height. Our ancestors used motherwort to make fiber and the plant’s decoction for dyeing.
Motherwort blooms in June–September with its elongated inflorescence of small, delicate pink flowers. The leaves are ‘hairy’, soft, and ruffled. Be careful; the whorls clustered in the leaf axils harden over time and may ‘bite’ a little.
Motherwort Tea Benefits The Cardiovascular and Digestive Systems
Motherwort tea, or tincture, is a first-aid treatment for high blood pressure and a spike in heart rate. In one study, 50 people with high blood pressure took motherwort supplements for 28 days and experienced significant improvement. So, if you want to take a natural preventive or complementary measure to improve your heart function, motherwort could be a great choice.
The substances in motherwort stimulate digestion and intestinal peristalsis. In addition, motherwort and its preparations are beneficial for a high-protein diet, especially legumes. It will help to prevent possible heaviness and bloating.
Motherwort for Calming Anxiety
According to experts, motherwort’s flavonoids and terpenes are calming and do not cause drowsiness or sleepiness. For the best quick and short-term effect, it is advisable to combine motherwort with valerian. Motherwort will have a more stable and long-lasting impact.
Motherwort Tea Benefits for Women
This herb will help with “female” problems. The ancient Greeks already used motherwort to relieve postnatal depression and menstrual cycle disorders. Today, there is strong evidence that motherwort can also help with menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes or mood swings.
Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial Effects of Motherwort
The arachidonic acid in motherwort reduces platelet aggregation, leading to tissue inflammation. This is essential for people suffering from arthritis, gout, and other degenerative processes.
The yeasts, essential oils, vitamin C, and other motherwort substances help to fight bacteria and act as highly effective anti-parasitic agents.
What Are The Side Effects of Motherwort?
If you take motherwort as directed, you should not worry too much about side effects. Of course, the only difference between a poison remedy and a poison is the amount, so it is worth strictly dosing any herbs you take. If you intend to drink motherwort tea, do not exceed a daily safe intake of 3 grams.
Excessive use of motherwort can cause a laxative effect, abdominal pain, or even nausea. Pregnant women should avoid these plant preparations, as they relax the muscles of the uterus. It is always a good idea to consult your doctor, especially if taking other prescribed medicines. It has been observed that motherwort may react adversely to blood-thinning drugs.
Always start with small doses and monitor your body’s reaction. If you don’t notice any side effects, increase the amount slightly. Then, drink it steadily for a few weeks, and then take a break. Once you have obtained the desired effect, continue the course. We do not doubt that you will feel the peace and health of nature.
Sources:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20839214/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S221080331100008X
Associative photos from © Canva
