© Jacob Sturm, Deutschlands Flora in Abbildungen (1796) · Public domain · Commons
Motherwort
CautionEchtes Herzgespann · (Leonurus cardiaca)
Mint family (Lamiaceae)
Description
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is a herbaceous perennial of the mint family growing 30–120 cm tall. Its square, often purplish stem bears opposite, palmately lobed leaves and dense whorls of small pink lipped flowers in the leaf axils. The flowering herb is used, traditionally for nervous heart complaints.
CONTRAINDICATED during pregnancy
Traditionally regarded as a uterine stimulant — do not use during pregnancy.
CONTRAINDICATED for children
Not for children and adolescents under 18 due to lack of data.
- TeaAerial partsInternalTraditional use
Calming tea for nervous tension and nervous palpitations (after a doctor has excluded serious causes).
Preparation & dosage
INFUSION: Pour 150 ml boiling water over 2–4 g of the dried flowering herb, cover and steep about 10 minutes, then strain. One cup three times daily (mean daily dose about 4.5 g of drug). To relieve symptoms of nervous tension and nervous heart complaints — only after serious conditions have been excluded by a doctor. If complaints persist for more than 4 weeks, consult a doctor.
- Dry amount
- 2–4 g
- Doses per day
- 3×
- Max duration
- 4 weeks
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Adults only — not for children and adolescents under 18 due to lack of data.
- TinctureAerial partsInternalTraditional use
Concentrated calming form for travel use.
Preparation & dosage
TINCTURE (traditionally 1:5): 2–6 ml single dose, up to 3 times daily in a little water. A concentrated form for nervous tension. Due to the alcohol, not for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, or people with liver disease.
- Liquid amount
- 2–6 ml
- Doses per day
- 3×
- Max duration
- 4 weeks
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Alcohol-containing tinctures only for adults from 18 years.
Classical quotes
"There is no better herb to take melancholy vapours from the heart, to strengthen it, and make a merry, cheerful, blithe soul than this herb. Therefore the Latins called it Cardiaca. Besides, it makes women joyful mothers of children, and settles their wombs as they should be, therefore we call it Motherwort."
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In your garden, this plant acts as: