In recent years, it has been studied as an herbal treatment for hyperthyroidism. Allow the decoction to cool. Allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes; this is called steeping. The plant produces clusters of pink to purple flowers that rise along prickly sepals, blooming from midsummer through early fall. You can reduce instances of this disease by pruning overcrowded areas to increase air circulation, and avoid overwatering. Although motherwort has long been used … Tincture – Around 3 ml of motherwort tincture is safe. For home use, motherwort does have its place. What gives the therapeutic properties to Motherwort? Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) – Illustration. With additional writing and editing by Allison Sidhu. Other photos courtesy Peter M. Dziuk. To grow motherwort in the home garden, the seeds will need to be stratified for several weeks. Remove the pot from the heat, and cover it. Harvesting Motherwort and Parts Used. Comments. Motherwort Medicinal uses include helping the heart and women’s disorders. It is also adaptable to most soil types, though moist, rich soil with a slightly alkaline pH of 7.7 is ideal. Just add 2 tablespoons of a mild biodegradable liquid soap to a gallon of water, and spray off the undersides of the leaves to remove the mites. Motherwort blooms from mid to late summer and can be harvested anytime. If you are lucky enough to find a stand, harvest this lovely herb for a wide range of medicinal benefits. The staff at Gardener’s Path are not medical professionals and this article should not be construed as medical advice intended to assess, diagnose, prescribe, or promise cure. DRIED. Attempts to control rampant motherwort plants may include improving soil drainage and mowing close to the ground each time the shoots erupt from the soil. Herbalist Tammi Hartung reminds us that the very name motherwort is indicative of the healing nature of this herb. 30 medicinal plants the Native Americans used on a daily basis - Duration: 11:10. If powdery mildew develops, remove infected parts of the plant and destroy them. Divide the roots in fall, and remember that it is in the mint family, so motherwort will reseed and take over if you are not careful. It is also a common weed along roadsides and in neglected gardens. When I began my studies as an herbalist, I was immediately drawn to wanting to learn more about motherwort. Cut and collect the top third of the stems, including the leaves, flowers, and buds. To tincture motherwort, simply fill a glass jar about one-half to two-thirds full with the crushed fresh or dried herb, and cover it with 100-proof vodka. The flower stalks can be a bit prickly. Don’t forget your gloves and pruning shears! [4] Tea: The dried leaves are also commonly brewed into a tea. Gardener’s Path and Ask the Experts, LLC assume no liability for the use or misuse of the material presented above. The dried plant is then made into a tincture, or stored and used as a tea. If you guessed that it is useful for mothers, you are right! Once dried, store the motherwort in … Perhaps the easiest way to acquire motherwort is to find a patch already growing in your yard or a friend’s yard, and cut some divisions. Motherwort may aggravate hypothyroidism or be contra-indicated with treatment for same. It has a history of being used to reduce stress during childbirth, postpartum depression, and menopause symptoms, as well as helping to regulate menstrual cycles and reduce symptoms of PMS. I use the stem only on the upper portions of the plant, where it is fairly small and supple. Definitely a must have if you are looking for a gift for your pollinators. At this stage in the plant’s growth cycle, the plant has put out lots of leafy growth. Motherwort has long been used in herbal medicine and as an ornamental plant, and it attracts bees and other pollinators to the garden. Once the herb has finished flowering, it quickly loses its vitality. Tell us your stories in the comments below! Start cold stratified seeds in flats a few weeks before the last frost date in your area. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. In vitro studies have demonstrated its ability to have an effect on cardiac function, though further research is needed. One unique feature of motherwort is that it grows well in any type of light. To make a motherwort glycerite, fill a jar about half full with dried herb or two-thirds full with fresh motherwort. All parts of this plant, from the stem to the stalk, and leaves to the flowers are used for making herbal powders, extracts, tinctures, and capsules. The genus of motherwort’s botanical name of Leonurus cardiaca, is descriptive of its ragged edged leaves, which resemble the tip of a lion’s tail. Let the jar sit in the pantry for a month, shaking daily. The name cardiac comes from kardiaca, meaning heart. To use, harvest the aboveground parts when the plant is in full bloom, which should be anytime between late June and August. Divide in spring or fall during dormancy. Strain and store in an airtight container in a cool dark location. In ancient China, it was thought to promote longevity. While there might be some mild side effects, the herb is great for human … Heather is a certified permaculture designer and student herbalist. Motherwort has an unpleasant odor (to some extent) and pretty bitter taste. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, American practitioners of Eclectic medicine used it to treat nervous conditions and to improve female reproductive health. This tends to happen during prolonged periods of drought. 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