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As an Herbalist, specializing in herbal medicine for women, I have a special affinity for the plants that “multi-task”. If a woman comes to me feeling overwhelmed, anxious and is experiencing hormone fluctuations it is wonderful when I can choose one herb that covers all the bases. Motherwort is a perfect example of just such an herb.
Motherwort, formally known as Leonurus cardiaca is a powerful member of the mint family. With out the presence of this trusted tincture on my Apothecary shelves many of my formulas would be lacking. Motherwort has a variety of actions that I call on for assistance. Her botanical name literally means for the lion hearted. Motherwort can help us to move through the anxiety that manifests as sweaty palms and heart palpitations, bringing us back to our center and in touch with bravery. I love her for those moments when there’s something I’m so drawn to doing but past experiences and fear have created a block. Additionally, when I see women with hormonal fluctuations, especially just after they have weaned their children, I introduce them to Motherwort to smooth the transition.
On the plant medicine learning path one will often find that a certain plant presents itself with synchronicity. Shortly after my first baby was born, and I was immersed in all that new motherhood brings, I stepped outside my front door to see a Motherwort plant growing beside the stairs. Aaah yes, thank you…I thought! You are exactly who I need to support me in being a brave and lion hearted Mama. This is a plant that can help us to find that extra little bit of space to keep connected to ourselves.
Motherwort grows commonly as a weed, which means with vigor and of her own accord. I invite her to my gardens and she re-seeds abundantly. Her leaves are of an interesting shape, the lower ones often have five cleft lobes and the upper ones three. Lavender flowers rise up on spikes that leave prickly seed heads post bloom. Harvesting or weeding Motherwort at that point can lean to painful scratches. This is a plant of protection! We can learn so much by how plants grow.
Interested in feedback from those who have recently tried Motherwort? I like to have people experiment with an herb in drop dosages by way of introduction. It’s a way to see how the energetics of the plant interact with a person’s unique constitution. At a recent class some participants tried a few drops of Motherwort tincture. There were reports of a deepening and slowing of breath and relaxing in the extremities, moving inward towards the heart.
Motherwort is a special plant, among many, that grace the shelves of my Apothecary and gifts me with her presence in the garden every year!
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