Motherwort, also known as Leonurus cardiaca, has been used for centuries to thin blood, regulate menstrual cycles, and reduce postpartum depression. However, it can be dangerous when combined with certain medications or used during childbirth. It may be effective in reducing PMS symptoms and helping menopausal women with hot flashes. It is sometimes used in herbal cough and cold remedies and can stimulate milk supply. Its safety and effectiveness during pregnancy are debated.
Motherwort is known by its scientific name Leonurus cardiaca, and by several synonyms, including lion’s tail, heartwort, leonurus, and throwwort. The plant is native to Asia but is now cultivated throughout the world. For centuries, it has been used as a blood thinner, a muscle relaxant, a way to regulate menstrual cycles, and as a way to regulate labor and reduce postpartum depression.
In the United States, motherwort is sold as a nutritional supplement, and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor its sale or verify its safety or effectiveness. It appears to be relatively effective at thinning the blood based on laboratory studies, but this may not be a good thing. If you take blood thinners, motherwort can create bleeding problems when combined with medications such as aspirin or warfarin. It should never be used by a person with a heart condition without the advice of a doctor.
In addition, there is concern about its use to stimulate or regulate labor. Because it can cause blood thinning, it increases the risk of excessive bleeding during labor and postpartum recovery. Therefore, it can be a dangerous drug to use during childbirth. Women who are pregnant should never use it until just before the onset of labor. Chinese herbalists prescribed motherwort as an abortive agent, and it can cause miscarriage.
Some women use motherwort to help regulate their periods, reduce PMS symptoms, and especially to reduce cramps. It appears to have a mild sedative effect and relaxes muscles, which may make this use legitimate. Additionally, anecdotal evidence has suggested that motherwort helps relieve or stop hot flashes and provides a general sense of calm to menopausal women.
There have been several other historical uses for this herb. It can be used to treat insomnia or to combat flatulence. As a muscle relaxant, this first use may make sense, but there is little evidence that motherwort reduces gas.
Motherwort is sometimes combined with other herbs such as mullein and used in herbal cough and cold remedies. Because it can relax muscles, it can relieve coughing and may have a mild anti-inflammatory effect on swollen tonsils. It is important to be careful when using a combination herbal tonic, as all ingredients should be evaluated as potentially contraindicated with certain conditions or if you take certain medications.
Despite the warnings, some midwives using herbal preparations, and of course herbalists, prescribe this herb to pregnant women. There is some difference of opinion as to whether this is safe or effective. More commonly, midwives may recommend its use only during and after delivery. It is also believed to stimulate milk supply and may be recommended by lactation consultants.
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