Puma Ghostwalker
Motherwort
Motherwort....The genus name Leonurus is derived from a Latin word, leo meaning 'lions' and a Greek word oura, meaning 'tail', in reference to the leaf's shaggy shape - like a lion's tail.
The species name, cardiaca is from the Greek word kardiaca, meaning.... 'Heart'....
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is an herbaceous perennial plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. Other common names include Throw-wort, Lion's Ear, and Lion's Tail.
The latter two are also common names for Leonotis leonurus. Originally from Central Asia it is now found worldwide, spread largely due to its use as a herbal remedy.
The plant has shallow root system with many fibrous roots. 4-angled ridged erect stems arise from the roots, reaching the height of about 3 feet. They are covered with short hairs, as well as the whole plant. Motherwort leaves are opposite; they all have long petioles. Those at the base of the herb are quite large with 5 cleft lobes and coarse teeth. Those situated at the middle of the stem are smaller, being divided into 3 toothed lobes. The upper leaves are usually toothed, but oblong-ovate in shape. The leaves are also characterized with conspicuous veins.
The tubular flowers of Motherwort are situated in bunches around the stems on their middle and upper parts in the axils of the leaves. They are pink and very hairy. Each flower consists of two lips: the upper one is undivided, the lower one has 3 lobes with purple dots on them. The seeds of the plant develop in the three-sided reddish or brown nutlets.
Motherwort has a long history of use as an herb in traditional medicine in Central Europe, Asia and North America. Like many other plants, it has been used for a variety of ills, and consumed. Midwives use it for a variety of purposes, including uterine tonic and prevention of uterine infection in women, hence the name Motherwort.
In a literal translation of its Chinese name, yi mu coa, motherwort means “benefit mother herb” and the leaves are very popular among Chinese women as a treatment for menstrual difficulties.
One more constituent of Motherwort known as vasodilator is responsible for keeping the muscles relaxed preventing cases of hypertension.
True to its Latin description as cardiaca, motherwort stabilizes the heart. This herb is a useful addition to any strengthening and supportive heart tonic.
German research has noted that motherwort has tranquilizing qualities similar to valerian; it's helpful in easing heart palpitations and other conditions due to nervous system.
Other essential uses of Motherwort include prevention of uterine infection, fighting off stress; prevent hemorrhage and complications during the crucial stages of pregnancy, and to promote relaxation during the development of the fetus and the entire duration of the pregnancy. The largest concentration of active constituents is found in the plant when it is in full bloom.
Contents such as iridoid, glycosides, terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, volatile oils and vitamin A are responsible for this great effects and positive contribution to the mother’s health.
Studies have shown, however, that Motherwort should not be taken during pregnancy for it regulates menstruation.
During the ancient times in China and as used as traditional Chinese medicine, it was used to ease stomach pain and gas, to prevent menopausal problems, reduce cramping, and insomnia. It is best for calming down nervous irritability and promoting passivity of the entire nervous system.
Other medicinal wonders of Motherwort includes strengthening the heart which is a good cure for hysterical complaints, rapid heart rate and fast palpitations, and because of its relaxing effects it reduces the possibility of fainting. Also, it is a good tonic for spinal diseases, neuralgia and recovery from fevers where other tonics are not advisable for intake.
Motherwort tea has helped reduce the risk of postpartum depression. As a cardio tonic, it is proven to prevent the formation of blood clots that improves blood flow and reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke and other diseases.
Motherwort is also useful preventing low blood sugar, thyroid diseases, headaches, and vertigo. Also, it has proven to relieve one of lung problems, asthma and bronchitis.
All aerial parts of the plant are used medicinally; even the rough stem is suitable for making remedies. The herb is harvested and dried when in full bloom.
Motherwort tea is created by infusing the herb in boiling water. In fact, the Japanese consider Motherwort tea to be a drink benefiting longevity, thus the expression, "Drink motherwort to the despair of your heirs". The Japanese have a Motherwort festival on the ninth day of the ninth month called Kikousouki. During this time Motherwort flowers are eaten in rice and added to saki.
Culpepper wrote of Motherwort:
'Venus owns this herb and it is under Leo. There is no better herb to drive melancholy vapours from the heart, to strengthen it and make the mind cheerful, blithe and merry. May be kept in a syrup, or conserve, therefore the Latins call it cardiaca.... It cleansethe the chest of cold phlegm, oppressing it and killeth worms in the belly. It is of good use to warm and dry up the cold humours, to digest and disperse them that are settled in the veins, joints and sinews of the body and to help cramps and convulsions.'
Motherwort
Motherwort....The genus name Leonurus is derived from a Latin word, leo meaning 'lions' and a Greek word oura, meaning 'tail', in reference to the leaf's shaggy shape - like a lion's tail.
The species name, cardiaca is from the Greek word kardiaca, meaning.... 'Heart'....
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is an herbaceous perennial plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. Other common names include Throw-wort, Lion's Ear, and Lion's Tail.
The latter two are also common names for Leonotis leonurus. Originally from Central Asia it is now found worldwide, spread largely due to its use as a herbal remedy.
The plant has shallow root system with many fibrous roots. 4-angled ridged erect stems arise from the roots, reaching the height of about 3 feet. They are covered with short hairs, as well as the whole plant. Motherwort leaves are opposite; they all have long petioles. Those at the base of the herb are quite large with 5 cleft lobes and coarse teeth. Those situated at the middle of the stem are smaller, being divided into 3 toothed lobes. The upper leaves are usually toothed, but oblong-ovate in shape. The leaves are also characterized with conspicuous veins.
The tubular flowers of Motherwort are situated in bunches around the stems on their middle and upper parts in the axils of the leaves. They are pink and very hairy. Each flower consists of two lips: the upper one is undivided, the lower one has 3 lobes with purple dots on them. The seeds of the plant develop in the three-sided reddish or brown nutlets.
Motherwort has a long history of use as an herb in traditional medicine in Central Europe, Asia and North America. Like many other plants, it has been used for a variety of ills, and consumed. Midwives use it for a variety of purposes, including uterine tonic and prevention of uterine infection in women, hence the name Motherwort.
In a literal translation of its Chinese name, yi mu coa, motherwort means “benefit mother herb” and the leaves are very popular among Chinese women as a treatment for menstrual difficulties.
One more constituent of Motherwort known as vasodilator is responsible for keeping the muscles relaxed preventing cases of hypertension.
True to its Latin description as cardiaca, motherwort stabilizes the heart. This herb is a useful addition to any strengthening and supportive heart tonic.
German research has noted that motherwort has tranquilizing qualities similar to valerian; it's helpful in easing heart palpitations and other conditions due to nervous system.
Other essential uses of Motherwort include prevention of uterine infection, fighting off stress; prevent hemorrhage and complications during the crucial stages of pregnancy, and to promote relaxation during the development of the fetus and the entire duration of the pregnancy. The largest concentration of active constituents is found in the plant when it is in full bloom.
Contents such as iridoid, glycosides, terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, volatile oils and vitamin A are responsible for this great effects and positive contribution to the mother’s health.
Studies have shown, however, that Motherwort should not be taken during pregnancy for it regulates menstruation.
During the ancient times in China and as used as traditional Chinese medicine, it was used to ease stomach pain and gas, to prevent menopausal problems, reduce cramping, and insomnia. It is best for calming down nervous irritability and promoting passivity of the entire nervous system.
Other medicinal wonders of Motherwort includes strengthening the heart which is a good cure for hysterical complaints, rapid heart rate and fast palpitations, and because of its relaxing effects it reduces the possibility of fainting. Also, it is a good tonic for spinal diseases, neuralgia and recovery from fevers where other tonics are not advisable for intake.
Motherwort tea has helped reduce the risk of postpartum depression. As a cardio tonic, it is proven to prevent the formation of blood clots that improves blood flow and reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke and other diseases.
Motherwort is also useful preventing low blood sugar, thyroid diseases, headaches, and vertigo. Also, it has proven to relieve one of lung problems, asthma and bronchitis.
All aerial parts of the plant are used medicinally; even the rough stem is suitable for making remedies. The herb is harvested and dried when in full bloom.
Motherwort tea is created by infusing the herb in boiling water. In fact, the Japanese consider Motherwort tea to be a drink benefiting longevity, thus the expression, "Drink motherwort to the despair of your heirs". The Japanese have a Motherwort festival on the ninth day of the ninth month called Kikousouki. During this time Motherwort flowers are eaten in rice and added to saki.
Culpepper wrote of Motherwort:
'Venus owns this herb and it is under Leo. There is no better herb to drive melancholy vapours from the heart, to strengthen it and make the mind cheerful, blithe and merry. May be kept in a syrup, or conserve, therefore the Latins call it cardiaca.... It cleansethe the chest of cold phlegm, oppressing it and killeth worms in the belly. It is of good use to warm and dry up the cold humours, to digest and disperse them that are settled in the veins, joints and sinews of the body and to help cramps and convulsions.'