What Is Motherwort?

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is a perennial herb that grows small pink flowers and large green leaves. It is a member of the mint family and is native to Asia and southeastern Europe, although it now grows worldwide.

Motherwort is thought to have medicinal value in the following areas: reducing the risk of heart disease, treating symptoms of menopause and menstruation, reducing anxiety, and treating high blood pressure, among others.

This article will look at research surrounding the potential uses of motherwort. It will also cover important information regarding side effects, precautions, interactions, storage, and dosage recommendations.

Uses of Motherwort

Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. 

Motherwort has long been used in several systems of traditional medicine, such as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, few scientific studies have tested the herb's health effects. Still, some preliminary research shows that motherwort may offer potential benefits.

Below is a look at several key findings from research on motherwort.

Heart Health

Preliminary research shows that motherwort may contain heart-protective properties.

One lab study concluded that the antioxidants in motherwort may help protect the heart from damage.

Ursolic acid, one of the active ingredients in motherwort, has also been linked to potential heart health benefits. In animal and lab studies, ursolic acid has been shown to reduce inflammation and slow the development of heart disease.

Unfortunately, these positive results have yet to be replicated in humans. And although much can be learned from animal and lab studies, human trials are necessary before motherwort can be definitively recommended for heart health.

Anxiety

Despite being touted as a remedy for anxiety, few scientific studies have looked at whether motherwort can help.

A small study from 2011 included 50 people with high blood pressure and accompanying anxiety and sleep disorders. After 28 days of treatment with motherwort, 32% of participants showed a significant improvement in symptoms of anxiety and depression, while 48% of participants showed moderate improvements in these symptoms. Interestingly, there was also an improvement in blood pressure.

Since this small study, little research has been conducted on motherwort for anxiety. Updated and larger-scale studies are needed to understand whether there is a relationship between motherwort and anxiety.

Menopause

Motherwort may help people who are in menopause prevent unplanned weight gain due to changing hormones.

According to one study on menopausal mice, motherwort supplementation for six weeks resulted in lower body weight. The mice were also found to have lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (considered "bad" cholesterol), as well as decreased fat in their livers.

However, as with many other potential uses of motherwort, there is little to no scientific evidence that motherwort does indeed decrease the side effects of menopause. More human trials must be done to better support these claims.

Postpartum Bleeding

Traditionally, motherwort has been used in TCM to treat menstrual disorders such as dysmenorrhea (painful periods), amenorrhea (absence of a period), and postpartum bleeding. However, these uses are not well-supported by research.

In one study, an injection of motherwort was found to help reduce blood loss after a surgical delivery, or cesarean section (C-section), when combined with the hormone oxytocin. In the study, some women were given oxytocin alone or in combination with motherwort after receiving a C-section. Those in the motherwort group saw less bleeding in the postpartum period.

What Are the Side Effects of Motherwort?

Although rare, it's possible to experience side effects when taking motherwort. These side effects may be mild or severe.

The best way to prevent side effects is by taking motherwort as directed.

Common Side Effects

For the most part, motherwort is thought to be safe. However, it may trigger certain side effects like:

• Diarrhea
• Uterine bleeding
• Stomach irritation

Motherwort side effects tend to be mild and should disappear once you stop using the herb. Talk with your healthcare provider if side effects persist.

Severe Side Effects

Although research is lacking on motherwort, it is mostly considered a safe herb. Yet, it is possible to be allergic to motherwort, and an allergic reaction can be serious.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:

• Hives or rash
• Watery, red eyes
• Abdominal pain
• Chest tightness
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Heart palpitations (fast, fluttering, or pounding heart)

Seek immediate medical attention if you have an allergic reaction to motherwort.

Precautions

Motherwort may not be suitable for everyone.

People who are pregnant should avoid using motherwort. This is because the herb is believed to stimulate the uterus.

There is currently not enough information to know if motherwort is safe to use while nursing. If you are breastfeeding, talk with your healthcare provider before taking motherwort.

Anyone with a bleeding disorder should also take precautions before using motherwort, as the herb may cause bleeding.

It's also important to note that using motherwort in place of standard care for the treatment of any health condition may be harmful to your health. Please seek advice from your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.

Dosage: How Much Motherwort Should I Take?

Not enough research exists to make general dosage guidelines for motherwort.

Some research suggests that side effects may become more likely if you take more than 3 grams of motherwort daily. However, this information is not well-supported.

To play it safe, follow the dosage recommendations listed on the packaging of the motherwort supplement you choose. You can also talk with your healthcare provider about the right dosage for you.

What Happens If I Take Too Much Motherwort?

Motherwort is not considered toxic, but you may experience side effects if you take a high dose.

According to some reports, side effects (like upset stomach and diarrhea) are more likely in doses larger than 3 grams of motherwort per day.

It should be noted, however, that more research is needed on any potential toxic effects of motherwort. There is not enough safety information on the herb.

Be sure to use motherwort only as directed to avoid any possible side effects or toxicity.

Interactions

Like many herbs, motherwort may interact with various medications, foods, and other supplements. Do not take motherwort with medications without discussing it with your healthcare provider.

Active ingredients in motherwort, including terpenes, are known to interact with Jantoven (warfarin), a popular blood thinner. People on warfarin and other blood thinners should consult with their healthcare provider as it may not be safe to use motherwort.

Motherwort may have sedative properties, which means people taking prescription sedatives or depressants should avoid using the herb. Taking two sedatives at once may cause excessive drowsiness.

Be sure to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel before purchasing a new supplement. This will ensure you know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included in the supplement. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications. 

How to Store Motherwort

To maintain proper shelf life, store supplements properly.

Keep motherwort in a cool, dry place and keep it out of direct sunlight. Typically, motherwort does not need to be refrigerated, but be sure to follow storage directions as recommended on the product label.

Motherwort supplements should be discarded once they reach their expiration date.

Similar Supplements

Other herbs and supplements claim to work similarly to motherwort.

Similar supplements to motherwort include:

• Garlic: Aside from flavoring food, garlic may also offer heart-protective benefits. One review found that garlic supplementation may reduce blood pressure and total cholesterol, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease.
• Chamomile: Typically used as a tea, chamomile may help reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). A long-term study found chamomile to significantly reduce moderate to severe symptoms of GAD.
• Red clover: Red clover, a wild herb, may be able to help relieve some symptoms of menopause. One recent review concluded that supplementing with red clover may reduce the frequency of hot flashes in those going through menopause.
• Iron: After having a baby, iron is often recommended to help with postpartum bleeding. Iron supplementation (and eating iron-rich foods) in the postpartum period may help prevent anemia caused by blood loss associated with childbirth.

Always talk with your healthcare provider before trying a new supplement. It's typically recommended to avoid taking more than one supplement or herb for the same reason.

Sources of Motherwort & What to Look For

It's important to know what to look for when choosing supplements, such as the following.

Food Sources of Motherwort

Motherwort is not naturally found in foods.

As an herb, motherwort can be found as a loose-leaf tea that can be brewed with hot or cold water and consumed as a beverage. Otherwise, motherwort is mostly used as a supplement.

Motherwort Supplements

You can find motherwort in many forms, including capsules, tablets, extracts, tinctures, and teas. Motherwort is available on its own but is sometimes combined with other herbs and ingredients to make other supplements.

Many natural foods stores, drugstores, and stores specializing in dietary supplements sell these motherwort products. You can also purchase motherwort supplements online.

It's worth mentioning that motherwort is said to have an unpleasant smell and taste.

Motherwort is naturally vegan and gluten-free. Some capsules may use gelatin from cows or pigs. However, vegan capsules are available.

Also, remember that dietary supplements aren't tested for safety and are largely unregulated in the U.S. In some cases, ingredient lists and nutrition fact panels are not accurate. For this reason, try to look for supplements tested by third-party agencies like ConsumerLab, USP, and NSF International. These agencies review supplements and ensure that product labels are factual.

Summary

Motherwort is an herb that grows worldwide and may offer various health benefits. However, most health claims surrounding motherwort are not well-supported by scientific evidence.

And although it is generally considered safe, side effects and drug interactions are possible when using motherwort. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider if you're interested in taking this supplement.