Motherwort 

Leonurus cardiaca

Cardiovascular, Nervous system, PMS & Menopause

Cardiovascular – strengthens  stressed heart (for physically and emotionally stressed heart); cardiac tonic; racing heart; irregular heart beats; palpitations; tachycardia (fast heart beat); improves blood circulation; lowers BP; prevents calcification of arteries; high cholesterol; 

Nervous system – relaxing herb with sedative effect (best to use regularly) – antispasmodic; anxiety, stress, fear, tension, restlessness, panic attack, sleeping problems; nerve pain; brain injury; spasms; paralysis

PMS and Menopausal symptoms – emotional swings due to hormonal imbalance; mild sedative for pain; regulates cycle; for sluggish onset of cycle; hot flashes; mood changes due to menopause; postmenopausal depression (empty nest syndrome); sleep problem; female reproductive tonic – uterine tonic – it can be use during delivery (strengthens contractions, reduces stress and tension at delivery); helps uterus to recover after birth; fibrosis

Other uses: 

Thins out blood (prevents blood clots/strokes) and urine

Hyperthyroidism (metabolism, nervous system, heart palpitations, anxiety, increases appetite)

ADHD – in combination with other plants

Diuretic

Intestinal gas

Cancer

Antimicrobial

Antioxidant

Used: 

leaves – bitter best for tincture, can make tea (bitter)

flowers – fresh or dry in veggie soups; tea (2-3x/day); tincture

tincture – at the onset of menstrual cramps 5-10 drops and then every15 min as needed; to lower BP 10-20 drops 3x day between meals

Contraindications: pregnancy (increases contractions), heavy menstrual bleeding

Bitter tea; best is to make it into tincture. It has unpleasant smell. It belongs to the mint family. Harvest early when the flowers bloom.