Lamiaceae
Motherwort
Leonurus cardiaca
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Central Asia, Southeastern Europe
Also known as: Throw-wort, Lion's Ear, Lion's Tail
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
LeafFlower
Therapeutic Uses
Heart palpitations associated with anxiety (classic indication), hypertension (mild), tachycardia, menopausal anxiety and palpitations, delayed menstruation, PMS, postpartum uterine involution support.
Herbal Actions
Cardiotonic, antispasmodic, nervine, emmenagogue, anti-anxiety, mild hypotensive, uterine tonic
Active Constituents
Iridoids (leonurine, leonuridine), alkaloids (stachydrine, betaine), flavonoids (rutin, quercetin, hyperoside), tannins, triterpenes
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture☕ Herbal Tea💊 Capsule
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1–2 tsp dried herb per 250ml, steep 10 min, 3x daily — bitter, often preferred as tincture |
| Tincture | 2–4 ml (1:5, 45% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Particularly effective for anxiety-driven palpitations — uniquely addresses both the cardiac and emotional component. Best combined with hawthorn for heart conditions. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Contraindicated in pregnancy (uterine stimulant). Avoid with anticoagulants (leonurine has antiplatelet activity). Caution with cardiac glycosides and antihypertensives.
Side Effects: GI irritation (bitter). Uterine stimulation. Contact dermatitis possible. Photosensitization at high doses.