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Note - the monographs are provided for informational purposes only, and are not to be used for self-medication.

Leonuris cardiaca (Motherwort)

Botanic Name

Leonuris cardiaca

Common Name

Motherwort, Lion’s Ear 1

Family

Lamiaceae

Parts Used

Herb

Habitat

In waste places and hedgerows through northern temperate regions; common in Britain 1

Constituents

Alkaloids (L-stachydrine and leonurine) 2

Iridoid glycoside (Leonuride) 2

Bitter glycosides 2

Diterpenoids (leocardin) 2

Triterpenes (ursolic acid) 2

Flavonoids 2

Cafeic acid 2

Tannins 2

Actions

Sedative 2

Hypotensive 2

Cardiotonic 2

Gentle uterine stimulant 1

Relaxant 1

Carminative 1

Anti-spasmodic 3

Influences pre-menstrual nerve tension and muscular rigidity 4

Applications

Menstrual and uterine conditions 3

Delayed or suppressed menstruation 3

Menopausal changes 3

False labour pains 3

Over-rapid heartbeat 3

Heart conditions associated with anxiety and tension 3

Supports the pregnant uterus and prepares it for labour contractions 1

Diarrhoea 2

Anaemic nervousness and insomnia 4

Chlorotic hysteria/palpitation 4

Hyperthyroid cardiac reactions 4

Dosage

Medium Dose Herb

Dried Herb – 2 – 4 gm or in infusion tds2

LE (1:1, 25%) – 2- 4 mls tds 2

Tincture (1:5, 25%) – 4 – 10 mls tds 2

Combinations

  

C/I Cautions

Pregnancy 2,5

BHP S/I

Cardiac symptoms associated with neurosis 6

References

  1. Mills, S., The Complete Guide to Modern Herbalism, Thorsons, Great Britain, 1994.
  2. Bradley, P.R.(Ed.), British Herbal Compendium Volume I, British Herbal Medicine Association, 1992.
  3. Hoffmann, D., The New Holistic Herbal, Element, Dorset, 1990.
  4. Priest, A.W. and Priest, L.R. Herbal Medication. A Clinical and Dispensary Handbook. London: L.N. Fowler & Co. Ltd.
  5. McGuffin, M., Hobbs, C., Upton, R., Goldberg, A., American Herbal Products Association - Botanical Safety Handbook, CRC Press, 1997.
  6. British Herbal Pharmacopoeia 1983. British Herbal Medical Association. 1989.

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Revised: May 20, 2002 .