Gifts of Siberia: Motherwort

A chapter reveals how a world-famous weed soothes nerves, supports heart health and treats inflammation...

Motherwort is a well-known herb, primarly recognized for its effectiveness in treating nerves and insomnia. However, this herb possesses many other beneficial properties. Let's explore the valuable components of motherwort, its additional health benefits and the reasons of its long-standing use in the medicine field.

When appearances are deceiving

At first glance, motherwort might not strike you as a medical plant. Motherwort, or Leonurus cardiaca, refers to perennial flowering plants from the Lamiaceae family and can hardly boast outstanding beauty.

This is quite a tall weed that can reach heights of up to 150 cm under favorable conditions. It has upright, branching, four-sided stems. The leaves are palmate-lobed up to the middle, bright green on top and grayish underneath. Motherwort blooms throughout the summer with the flowers in shades of pinkish-lilac or white. The fruits are dark-brown, three-sided nuts.

In Europe, the name “motherwort”, has a literal meaning of “mother-herb”. It was once used by herb doctors in the treatment of a variety of female medical disorders, hence the mother reference in the common name. Motherwort’s Latin name, Leonurus cardiaca, came about because the plant or its ragged-edged leaves were thought to resemble the tip of a lion's tail. With both of these names, this gives a small peak into the medical properties of the plant we know as motherwort.

Despite its unsightly appearance, this plant has been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to its unique healing properties. Motherwort holds an honorable position in the state pharmacopoeia of Russia and belongs to the group of sedatives and antihypertensive drugs.

Richness of Inner Beneficial Essence

In terms of health benefits, motherwort is particularly rich in the following substances:

• Flavonoids possess antioxidant and restorative properties, helping to protect cells from damage;
• Alkaloids are active ingredients, which can provide sedative and analgestic effect;
• Glycosides improve blood circulation and may contribute to heart rhythm regulation;
• Essential olis give the plant its distinct smell and have a soothing effect;
• Tannins reduce inflammation and improve digestion;
• Vitamins and minerals are a source of Vitamin C, carotene and essential minerals such as iron, magnesium and calcium.

Beneficial Properties of Motherwort

With its impressive range of active ingredients, motherwort serves as a powerful antioxidant, able to protect cellular structures from oxidative stress and free radicals. In addition to this, motherwort is valued for its other abilities:

• Sedative effect: Motherwort provides a soothing effect on our nervous system, thus it is so often used for neuroses, stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders;
• Antispasmodic effect: The plant has an antispasmodic effect on smooth muscle spasms, which makes it useful for abdominal pain and menstrual cramps;
• Cardiovascular support: Motherwort extract normalizes blood pressure, improves blood circulation, slows blood coagulability, stabilizes heart rhythm, reduces the likelihood of thrombosis;
• Anti-inflammatory effect: This plant is effective in managing various inflammatory processes, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract;
• Digestive improvement: Motherwort stimulates appetite and normalizes stomach function;
• Support for women's health: Motherwort can be used to regulate the menstrual cycle and alleviate menopausal symptoms.

The valuable motherwort extract is included in the following Siberian Wellness product:

1. Baikal Tea Collection. Herbal tea № 3. Natural poise
This tea blend contains alfalfa herb, motherwort herb, oregano herb, peppermint leaves, lemon balm herb, and sage leaves that will leave you feeling peaceful and help to have a good rest.

Highlighting the extraordinary plants of Siberia, we aim to spark your curiosity to further explore and appreciate the diverse flora of our vast region!