Motherwort: what are the benefits?

She is one of the “ heart plants » capable of calming the heartbeat. In a society marked by stress, it has nevertheless been gradually neglected in favor of medicinal treatments. However, practice shows real effectiveness of motherwort, a ancestral plants which can now be easily found in organic stores.

L’agripaumeor Leonurus cardiaca is a medicinal plant of the family of lamiacéeslike mint or sage. It owes its name to the shape of its leaves, which recall the palm of the handand its traditional use on the heart, hence its nicknamecardiac motherwort : “Motherwort has been used in cardiology since the 16th century, which reinforces its legitimacy in this indication,” explains Emilie Kapps, naturopath.

Originally fromEurope andAsiain particular Siberiait was also established in North America. It is recognized by its erect stems, its leaves with acute lobes and its small pale pink flowers.

Motherwort is also known by several names:

Motherwort is used in herbal medicine for his effects on the nervous system and the cardiovascular system. For Emilie Kapps: “the advantage of motherwort is that it is not scattered: it is targeted, effective, and acts directly on the disorders for which it is indicated.”

This is its most classic use. Motherwort is traditionally used to relieve:

Please note, this indication must always be part of medical follow-up for Emilie Kapps: “As soon as there are cardiovascular symptoms, a consultation is essential”.

The agripalm has a mild sedative effectuseful in case of nervousness or d‘irritability. Some studies suggest a improvement of mild anxiety and the sleep qualityl, probably via action on certain neurotransmittersincluding GABA.

It can also help calm palpitations when they occur in a context of anxiety.

“It can also be used in menstrual disorders or menopause, even if there are plants more commonly prescribed for these indications,” according to Emilie Kapps. It can be indicated:

Its interest is partly based on its calming effect, as stress can disrupt the menstrual cycle. It can be associated with other plants such as sage or the hopeven if these mixtures sometimes remain unpleasant to the taste.

Motherwort is sometimes used in cases ofhyperthyroidismespecially when it is accompanied by anxiety and palpitations. It can be associated with lycope (Lycopus europaeus), a plant of the same family.

Motherwort may have a mild hypotensive effect. However, it does not constitute a treatment for hypertension. It may possibly be used in addition, with medical advice.

Motherwort can be used in several forms, depending on the intended use.

Motherwort can be eaten an infusioneven if its taste remains very bitter. We generally use the dried leaves and flowering tops. “A tablespoon of cut plant per cup of water. Boil for 3 minutes, then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day until symptoms improve,” recommends Emilie Kapps.

More concentrated, the mother tincture is particularly recommended for palpitations. “30 drops in a glass of water, morning and evening, until symptoms improve,” advises the expert.

More practical in everyday life, these shapes are widely available. Emilie Kapps recommends taking two capsules morning and evening, until symptoms improve. In all cases, motherwort is part of a global approach including lifestyle, stress management and quality of sleep.

Motherwort is available in different forms:

It can also be grown in the garden, its germination being relatively simple in spring.

Motherwort grows spontaneously in many regions of Europe, including France. It is found mainly in open environments et poorly maintainedlike the roadsideswastelands, field edges or near old dwellings, where it has become naturalized.

She recognizes herself by her leaves cut into lobes reminiscent of the palm of a hand, with its small pale pink to purplish flowers and its erect stem which can reach almost a meter. It appreciates soils rich in nitrogen and sunny to semi-shaded exposures.

In practice, wild harvesting remains delicate due to risk of confusionof the pollution des sols and variability in active ingredients. For healthy use, it is better to favor products from controlled herbal medicineor even a controlled cultivation in the garden.

Contrary to popular belief, a medicinal plant is not harmless.

Motherwort has several contraindications:

It must be kept out of reach of children.

Motherwort is often compared to Hawthorn.

The main difference lies in their uses:

These two plants can be complementary.

Reviews of motherwort are generally positive, especially for stress and mild palpitations. However, it is important to remain nuanced: scientific data remains limited and its effectiveness is largely based on traditional use.