Motherwort's therapeutic uses
Motherwort, known scientifically as Leonurus cardiaca, is a herb traditionally associated with various therapeutic uses, particularly in relation to heart health and women's reproductive health. Historically utilized by ancient Greeks and Romans for heart palpitations and emotional distress, motherwort has also been employed in European herbal practices to stimulate the uterus, aid in menstrual regulation, and support labor. In traditional Chinese medicine, its Asian counterpart, Leonurus artemisia, is similarly used to address menstrual disorders and assist post-childbirth recovery.
While some evidence suggests that motherwort may help manage irregular heart rhythms, anxiety, and certain menstrual issues, many claims lack robust scientific validation. Therapeutic dosages recommended by Germany's Commission E indicate that it may be safe for specific heart-related conditions, but caution is advised, particularly regarding interactions with other medications. Although it has potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, the lack of comprehensive studies raises concerns about its overall safety and efficacy, especially for pregnant women or those with certain health conditions. As interest in natural remedies grows, motherwort remains an area of ongoing research, with proponents advocating its benefits while recognizing the need for thorough scientific evaluation.
Motherwort's therapeutic uses
- DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
- PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: None
- OTHER PROPOSED USES: Irregular or rapid heartbeat, uterine stimulant, pregnancy support, cardiovascular health, menstrual health, menopause, mental health, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
Overview
As its Latin name cardiaca suggests, motherwort has traditionally been used to treat heart conditions. The ancient Greeks and Romans employed motherwort to treat heart palpitations and depression, which they considered a problem of the heart. Centuries later, Europeans believed motherwort helpful for heart infirmities but also considered the herb to have strengthening and stimulating effects on the uterus. They used it to bring on a delayed menstrual period, as an aid during labor, and to relax a woman’s womb after childbirth.
These uses of motherwort correspond well with those in traditional Chinese medicine, which employs the Asian variety, Leonurus artemisia, to treat menstrual disorders or to help a woman expel a dead fetus and placenta from her womb. In eastern China, women still drink a syrup made from motherwort to promote the recovery of the uterus after childbirth; the herb has a strong bitter taste, so visitors to a recovering mother often bring along sugar as a gift.
Therapeutic Dosages
Germany’s Commission E recommends a dose of 4.5 grams (g) of dried herb daily, or the equivalent, for the treatment of irregular or rapid heartbeat and hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid). Because these symptoms can be a sign of serious medical illness, motherwort should not be used except under medical supervision. Also, motherwort should not be combined with other heart medications, as they might interact unpredictably.
Therapeutic Uses
Germany’s Commission E has authorized motherwort for the treatment of rapid or irregular heartbeat caused by anxiety and stress and as part of an overall treatment plan for hyperthyroidism, a condition that also causes irregular heartbeat. However, there is no evidence to support these herb uses. The best that can be said is that in one test-tube study, motherwort slowed the beating of normal rat heart cells and inhibited the effects of substances that usually speed up heart cell contractions. One small human study has shown motherwort to slow heartbeat, but not to a significant amount. This same study, however, showed promise in motherwort for lowering blood pressure. Motherwort’s antioxidant and specific compounds may promote heart health and act as a preventative against cancer, arthritis, and heart disease. Several other small human studies have suggested that motherwort may be beneficial in treating anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders.
Two other test-tube studies suggest that leonurine, a compound found in some species of motherwort, may affect the uterus. One of these studies found that low concentrations of leonurine induced uterine contractions, but that higher concentrations inhibited contractions. These opposing effects might explain how motherwort could induce both labor and menstruation, and it could also relax the uterus after childbirth (as it is traditionally said to do). However, until properly designed human studies are performed, it will be impossible to determine whether motherwort is actually safe or effective for these traditional uses.
One poorly designed study suggests that motherwort might improve blood circulation. Another study of equally low quality hints that motherwort might protect brain tissue in stroke victims. One component of motherwort, ursolic acid, has been found to possess possible antiviral and antitumor properties; however, this extremely preliminary information should not be taken to mean that motherwort can fight viral infections or help treat cancer.
As the twenty-first century progressed, there continued to be a lack of reliable double-blind, placebo-controlled studies on motherwort. One 2018 study showed benefits in treating women with motherwort to prevent postpartum hemorrhage. However, the study was small and limited to a specific population. While studies have been conducted on motherwort's role in managing menstrual symptoms, they have also faced limitations. Still, proponents of motherwort continue to assert it has many therapeutic uses. While cardiovascular and women's health remain the main categories of therapeutic use of motherwort, it is also suggested for stress and anxiety. Motherwort has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can protect against free radicals leading to chronic health conditions. Motherwort is also being studied for its antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Safety Issues
The safety of motherwort has not been well studied; however, obvious side effects appear to be rare, except for occasional allergic reactions and gastrointestinal distress. Because of the herb’s traditional use for uterine stimulation and the corroborating results of some test-tube studies, motherwort should not be used by pregnant women until further scientific investigation has been performed. In addition, preliminary animal evidence suggests that women with a history of breast cancer or those at high risk for developing it should avoid motherwort. Patients with low blood pressure or who are taking beta blockers or blood thinners should avoid motherwort. Safety in young children, nursing women, or people with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.
Bibliography
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Lubeck, Brittany. "Motherwort: Uses for Anxiety, Blood Pressure, Period Cramps, and More." Verywell Health, 14 Aug. 2024, www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-motherwort-88640. Accessed 23 Sept. 2024.
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