Motherswort is primarily an herb of the heart. Several species have sedative effects, decreasing muscle spasms and temporarily lowering blood pressure. Another of motherwort's uses is to improve fertility and reduce anxiety associated with childbirth, postpartum depression, and menopause. If used in early labor it will ease labor pains and calms the nerves after childbirth. Take motherwort only once soon after giving birth as consistent use before the uterus has clamped down may cause bleeding to continue. Use one to two times a day in the weeks following birth for easing tension and supporting a woman through the feelings that come with new mothering. Do not use during pregnancy.

Motherwort helps bring on a delayed or suppressed menstrual flow, especially when someone is anxious and tense. Chinese women often use it combined with dong quai as a menstrual regulator. Avoid using for menstrual cramps when bleeding is heavy. It strengthens and relaxes the uterine muscles and eases uterine cramping. It also reduces fevers, and is especially suggested for illnesses associated with nervousness or delirium.

Motherwort was formerly used to treat rheumatism and lung problems, like bronchitis and asthma. Motherwort may help an overactive thyroid but does not depress normal thyroid function. Tincture the leaves and flowers as soon as you pick them. If you prefer to dry them, lay the leaves and stalks onto screens. Motherwort tea has a very bitter taste.

Properties:

emmenagogue, astringent, carminative, cardiac tonic, diuretic, antispasmodic, antirheumatic

Remedies:

Infusion of aerial parts: use as a tonic for menopausal syndrome, anxiety and heart weaknesses, or for menstrual pain. Add 2-3 cloves and drink during labor. Take after childbirth to help restore the uterus and reduce the risk of postpartum bleeding

Syrup of aerial parts: the infusion is traditionally made into a syrup to disguise the flavor. Use in similar ways to infusion

Tincture of aerial parts: use as the infusion. Prescribed with herbs such as hawthorn as a heart tonic.

Douche of aerial parts: Use the infusion or diluted tincture for vaginal infections and discharges

Decoction of Seeds: use for menstrual problems

Eyewash of seeds: use a weak decoction for conjunctivitis or sore or tired eyes

Premenstrual Support: support the hormonal changes that occur before menstruation beings. When taken over a period of time "two to six months” they assist in relieving nervous anxiety, mood swings, irritability, swollen and sore breasts, water retention and cramping. 3 parts chasteberries, 2 parts crampbark, 2 parts motherwort, 1 part oatstraw, 2 parts sarsaparilla root. Take 2-4 times per day from ovulation through bleeding. As a tincture, take 15-40 drops. To make tea, pour 1 cup of hot steaming water over 2-3 teaspoons of herbs and drink 2-4 cups a day.

General menopause tonic: 3 parts vitex berries, 2 parts motherwort, 2 parts fresh milk wild oat seed, 1 part Dong Quai root, 1 part wild yam root, 1 part false unicorn root, a ¼ part licorice root. Take as a tincture, 25-50 drops, 2-3 times per day, 5-6 days a week. Can be used over several months.