Motherwort

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is an illustrious member of the mint family, Lamiaceae. This herbaceous perennial is also acknowledged as the lion’s ear, lion’s tail, throw-wort, and lion heart. The common name of the plant quite literally signifies the ‘mother herbs’, registering its role in managing the problems related to the female reproductive system. Now, the fancy Greek name evinces the strength of lion and management of heart.

The plant is characterized by the rhythmically arranged leaves with serrated margins. The lower leaves depict the shape of a wedge with three points while the upper small leaves possess three to five points. The shape of the leaves is quite similar to the heart whereas the lobes are a truthful reminder of the lion’s teeth. The vibrant pink flowers of the plant surround the spiky calyxes. The plant can reach up to the skies with a superb height of 10 ft. All these features prompt your mind to analyze the bond of motherwort with strength, heart, and rhythmic vibes that brings balance in the menstrual cycle of women. The positive rhythmic vibes also stabilize the body and soul.

Motherwort is energetically packed with leonurine, stachydrine, leonuride, diterpinoids, flavonoids, tannins, volatile oils, and vitamin A. These active compounds teach our body the lessons of courage, strength, and peace of mind. It also manages the conditions of amenorrhea, flatulence, and hyperthyroidism.

After the danger of frost drives away, early spring or fall are the best seasons to achieve a robust growth of motherwort.

Due to being declared as invasive in some regions, planting motherworts indoor seems a better option. A partially shady spot with well-drained soil is something that motherwort’s growth desires. This perennial can be transferred from an indoor setting to outside but with intellect, not haste because haste is waste.

If the containerized plant receives cold treatment for approximately two weeks, then the plant becomes ready for spring growth. To impart this cold treatment naturally, try to sow the seeds in fall. A fully prepared plant requires a lot of water to stay in shape therefore, growing them near streams and the river takes the development of plant to the next level.

The lifecycle of Motherwort kick-starts with the germination of seeds that occurs 2 to 3 weeks after sowing them. 

The flowering season commences with the termination of June and continues vibrantly till August. The flower heads are advised to be deadhead or trimmed for the prevention of self-seeding as the plant is a big sponsor of self-seeding. It is a gold-medalist at conquering the whole area if the trimming sessions are overlooked.

The whole plant of Motherwort is a paramount chief when it comes to its utilization in the medicinal discipline.

The plant can be harvested anytime in late June till August after the emergence of its flowers. Another fact that is backed by research is that harvesting the plant at this precise moment results in procuring the much needed active ingredients in incredible amounts.

This highly promising plant is known for possessing a plethora of active ingredients in every nook and corner of its frame. For this reason, the whole plant is harvested to be employed in dealing with a diverse variety of disorders.

The plant is snipped from its base while it’s blooming.

It is counseled to dry the plant quickly or immediately form its tincture.

The Motherwort plant is dried in a highly-ventilated and low humid space that is out of direct sunlight. If it seems difficult to achieve a low humid setting, then put your harvested plants in a paper bag and place it near a fan. An intermittent shaking of the bag ensures good airflow whereas the air of fan promises the preservation of those much loved active ingredients that readily oxidize at the sight of sunlight. Continue the process for a week and the results will amaze you.

After properly drying the plant, it is placed into a jar that is stored in a dark, dry and, cool place.

Making different preparations of your favorite plant makes their use more accessible. Indulge in the finest preparations to soothe your senses and harmonize your soul.

• Tincture - Fresh leaves, stems and flowers can be used to form a tincture. The desired plant part is allowed to sit with grain alcohol for at least 6 weeks to enjoy its perks for several years after getting strained.
• Tea - The dried plant materials are soaked in simmering water for approximately 15 minutes. The liquid is strained and served. (Do not use boiling water as it is liable to destroy the delicate active compounds.)
• Decoction - The hard woody material of the plant is boiled with water to form a decoction.
• Salve - Dried leaves are blended with other oily and hardening agents to form a salve.
• Syrup - Dried plant, some sugar, and water make a perfect syrup.
• Infused oil - Motherwort is mingled with other calming plants like chamomile and lavender and infused with usually olive oil to form infused oil.

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