Motherwort: A Lionhearted Hug from Mama Earth

Happy Monday, Friends,

In lieu of Valentine’s Day that is fast approaching, I am feeling called to focus on the heart and all of the ways that we can support it all year long…our own personal Valentine’s devotion to the organ that is so deeply intertwined with our soul. 

Maybe you are feeling called to work with herbs, or be more intentional with your food and nutrients, or maybe you’re feeling called to learn more deeply into skills such as boundary setting and shadow work…whatever it is, you already know. Trust that.

Over the next week or so I will discuss some of my favorite herbs, nutrients, and resources so you can show love to your ultimate Valentine; YOU.

Let’s start with a plant that is named after the energy of the lionhearted, ‘Motherwort’ (Leonurus cardiaca). This precious plant is used for stress induced heart palpitations, mild hypertension, anxiety, including anxiety specifically related to menopause, PMS, & hyperthyroidism, menstrual cramps, and amenorrhea (Kuhn & Winston, 2007). In addition, it is a wonderful plant to work with for those with a heavy and grieving heart. 

In my experience, Motherwort acts like a hug from a dear loved one when taken during a high stress and anxiety ridden time.

It is a bitter herb so if you drink it in tea I would recommend blending it with a few other herbs such as Oatstraw (another one of my favorite nervines), Lavender, or Cinnamon, and use your local raw honey when possible. 

Another option is to take it in tincture form, which I highly recommend for this herb. It tends to act more quickly and although still doesn’t taste great, you can get it down in much smaller quantities and just mix with something that does taste tolerable to you :)