Benefits of Motherwort

Motherwort herb is a lovely plant with a long history of use in supporting women’s health. The benefits of motherwort include effects on the circulatory, digestive, and nervous systems. Motherwort herb is a wonderful way to calm frazzled nerves and emotions.

Motherwort Herb – Offering Unconditional Love

When was the last time you were held in an embrace of unconditional love? These special embraces are usually only shared in times of tragedy. Perhaps we are living in tragic times, and solid, loving embraces could be used as a preventative medicine?

Often you will hear experienced herbalists speaking of the plants as though they are individuals with distinct personalities. Whether you believe in the spiritual nature of the plants or not, understanding the benefits the plants have to offer can become more meaningful when we consider them as complicated and sophisticated, rather than in the simplistic, “this herb for that symptom” viewpoint.

Motherwort is one of those herbs with a distinct “personality”, and like us, she can be contradictory in her ways. She has silky soft leaves, delicate, but prickly flowers. And she offers unconditional support, especially during emotional times of stress.

Motherwort Uses – The Tension and Anxiety-Relieving Herb

When I first began learning about herbal remedies, I frequently found myself skeptical of the long lists of benefits one plant could supposedly offer. However, I now have a better understanding of how this works, and motherwort is a good example of a plant that offers many benefits.

Motherwort has a long tradition of use in easing tension, anxiety, and as a supportive herb for women.

Studies indicate motherwort may be beneficial in reducing depression and those who use motherwort report a greater sense of calm and well-being. Motherwort is supportive to the nervous system during times of acute stress or emotional upheaval, and provides a soothing and calming effect (much like the sensation of being held in unconditional love by a loving mother, sister, or friend.)

Motherwort has a bitter flavor and this acts to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system which puts the brakes on the flight-or-fight stress response. Motherwort’s bitter properties allow us to rest. (You can learn more about bitter herbs and their benefits – The Benefits of Bitters and How to Make a Bitter Tincture)

Motherwort Uses – Women’s Medicine

The common name “Motherwort” goes back to the tradition of using motherwort for aiding mothers and women.

Motherwort herb calms and soothes the nerves for overworked mothers who could use a little mothering themselves,” ~ Deborah Frances

Used as women’s medicine, the benefits of motherwort include:

• Motherwort is used by experienced herbalists and midwives in preparation for birth and after-care.
• Motherwort is an emmenagogue, which is a fancy way of saying an herb has a stimulating effect on the uterus and can bring on menses. This is useful for women with stagnation, delayed, or scanty menses, and cramping during menstruation or between periods.
• Helps with PMS symptoms – used to ease tension, headaches, and anger.
• Relieving hot flashes – Motherwort is a member of the mint family and has a strong cooling effect on the body.

Motherwort for the Heart

The scientific name for Motherwort is Leonurus cardiaca which translates to: Leonurus – Lion’s tail, and Cardiaca – heart.

Western medicine views the heart as a muscular valve, but we are all familiar with the emotional and spiritual qualities of the heart. We talk about feeling “heart-broken”, and we can either put “our heart and soul” into something, or “lose heart”.

Motherwort works on both the physical heart and the emotional heart.

Leonurine, an alkaloid in motherwort, acts as a mild vasodilator and anti-spasmodic, both of which can help reduce blood pressure, especially when high blood pressure is a primary symptom of tension, anxiety, and stress.

In addition to these physical properties, studies indicate motherwort may be beneficial in reducing depression, and those who use motherwort often notice a greater sense of calm and well-being.

Herbalist Rosalee de la Foret says this about motherwort:

Motherwort’s actions beautifully show us the connection between the physical and spiritual heart. It is often used when there is a rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat (palpitations) associated with anxiety or nervousness. Through this, we can see that it acts on the physical heart by decreasing palpitations and mild hypertension while also acting on the spiritual heart to soothe and calm anxiety. An additional benefit of motherwort is that it is calming without being overly sedating.

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How to Use Motherwort

Although you could make a tea with motherwort, it is quite bitter, and most people prefer using it in tincture form. Motherwort can be used as needed to soothe tension and anxiety, or taken daily for a more therapeutic benefit. Using a tincture, one dropperful 1- 4 times daily is a frequently recommended dose. I recommend Herb Pharm Certified Organic Motherwort Extract for Endocrine System Support – 1 Ounce bottle.

Contraindications:

Motherwort can stimulate the uterus and should not be used during pregnancy (except by a highly experienced herbalist or midwife.)

If you have heavy menstrual bleeding, motherwort is probably not a good herb for you to use.

The safety of motherwort when breast-feeding is unknown.

Please Note: the information provided here is not intended to replace professional medical advice and care. It is simply my perspective for you to consider as you make good choices for you and your family’s health. The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and maintaining health. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care. The information provided has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not meant to diagnose any disease, nor is it intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Seek the support and care of a physician and/or complementary care practitioner you trust, and above all, listen to and trust in yourself. Be well!

Resources:Depression and Leonurine
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29016795

Motherwort Physiology
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23042598

Feeling Anxious, Wired, and Tired? Benefits of Passionflower – Reduce Anxiety and Sleep Better Naturally

There is a billion-dollar market ready to help us fix what’s wrong with us. Most of the mainstream strategies promoting radiant skin treat the external surface, but to enjoy vibrant skin from the inside out, we can take advantage of foods and herbs for healthy skin.  

Vibrant Skin from the Inside Out 

The market is filled with creams, lotions, over-the-counter, and prescription products promising solutions to our skin problems. Tone, firm, remove blemishes, hide and conceal…whatever we need fixed, there is a product promising to solve our all our problems.  

What we forget is the condition of our skin reflects our internal health. Let us begin our skin care with the basics using these 7 strategies for glowing, radiant skin.

7 Strategies for Glowing, Radiant Skin 

Strategy One – Promote Good Gut Health 

The link between gut health and our skin. 

Few of us think of gut health beyond the typical symptoms of heartburn, gas, bloating, reflux, and  constipation. Even if you never experience any of these symptoms, your gut health may be compromised.  

The growing research directly linking the health of our digestive system to inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and skin conditions is strong, and our healthcare system and providers are slowly starting to catch on to the importance of addressing gut health as the root to many of our chronic health conditions.  

There are a few simple strategies you can begin (or continue with consistency) to promote good gut health.  

In the not-to-distant past, fermented foods were once a common part of everyone’s diet (and they still are in many parts of the world.) But with modern food systems, the desire for safe, sanitary foods and products with a long shelf life, our foods became increasingly sterilized.  

The bacteria and yeasts that naturally occur within our digestive systems are vitally important to our health. The standard American diet does not support a healthy gut flora, and our health is being effected in profound ways.  

One of the simplest things you can do to improve your health, and the condition of your skin, is to include a variety of fermented foods as part of your diet. Foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchee, taken in small daily doses, provide our bodies with the gut flora vital to our health.  If fermented foods seem too foreign or difficult to include consistently, taking a quality probiotic can be effective as well. 

Strategy Two – Avoid Inflammation-Promoting Foods 

We are surrounded with quick, easy, convenient food choices. Unfortunately, most of these foods are filled with added simple sugars, rancid vegetable-oil based fats, and processed flours devoid of fiber. These foods promote inflammation in the body, leading to many of our chronic health conditions. Chronic inflammation shows up in the skin as well. 

Everything in moderation is key to good health. You will have to learn what “moderation” means for you.  

Inflammatory foods to limit include: 

• Sugars (even ‘natural’ sugars) 
• White flours 
• Vegetable oils (found in most packaged foods and fried foods) 
• Alcohol 
• For some people – dairy and gluten 

Strategy Three – Include More Anti-inflammatory Foods 

Including more antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits, in a rainbow of colors, helps reduce oxidation and inflammation in the body.  

Good sources of antioxidant-rich foods: 

• Red and yellow peppers 
• Sweet potatoes 
• Broccoli 
• Kale 
• Cabbage 
• Spinach 
• Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, goji berries 
• Turmeric
• Garlic
• Ginger

In addition to the rainbow of vegetables and fruits, including more sources of the omega-3 fatty acids reduces inflammation and promotes healthier skin.

Natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids include: 

• Salmon 
• Walnuts 
• Ground flax seeds 
• Chia seeds 
• Pasture-raised beef, chicken, and eggs 

Strategy Four – Exercise for a Healthy Glow 

One of the best ways to increase circulation throughout the body and especially for the skin is through exercise. Even better, if you sweat, you will help eliminate toxins through the skin. The healthy glow that comes from exercise (and perspiration) cannot be replicated through creams or lotions! 

Strategy Five – Hydration 

Drinking adequate fluids, especially water, can make a tremendous impact on the appearance of our skin. There are plenty of flavored water products available, many with added vitamins and electrolytes, however, I prefer real, natural water to a manufactured product with marketing gimmicks. Why not have water in a glass with added lemon, lime, raspberry, blackberry, cucumber, mint leaves, or other simple fruit added?  

Strategy Six – Sleep 

Not enough or poor quality sleep has a deep impact on our skin. Sleep is the time when the body heals and rejeuvenates – poor sleep shows up as dark circles, puffy eyes, droopy skin, and a dull complexion. Making sleep a priority in our hectic lives can be a challenge, but like nutrition, sleep has profound effects on our overall health.  

If you struggle with difficulty sleeping, you are not alone. You can read more about the Natural Ways to  Sleep Better, The Best Herbs for Better Sleep, and How to Make Your Own Sleep Tincture. 

Strategy Seven– Herbs and Supplements for Healthy Skin 

Herbal skin products are a wonderful way to pamper our skin. But did you know you can use herbs as food to promote a healthy, glowing complexion? Herbs work from the inside out, providing a glowing, healthy complexion. 

Some of the best herbs for healthy skin include: 

• Nettle 
• Red Clover 
• Bitter Herbs 
• Burdock Root 
• Shizandra 
• Quercetin

 These can be taken as teas, tinctures, in recipes, and in capsules.

More articles on skin care:

For a simple homemade and luxurious rose and aloe lotion – Rose and Aloe Lotion.

Make Your Own Rose and Aloe Cooling Lotion and Spray

 Make your own herbal summer skin salve – DIY Summer Skin Salve

DIY Summer Skin Salve – All Natural Relief for Summer Skin