Constituents: flavonoids, iridoids including rutin, diterpenes.
Action: antispasmodic, laxative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, vaso-constrictor. (Simon Mills) Nerve and heart sedative. Hypotensive. Action similar to Valerian. (Dr Rudolf F. Weiss) Cardiotonic.
Uses: angina on effort, simple uncomplicated heart conditions to enhance exercise duration; tachycardia from hyperactive thyroid, hypertension, absent or painful menstruation (hence its name), menopausal flushes, schizophrenic tendency, pre-menstrual tension.
“Drink Motherwort tea and live to be a source of continuous astonishment and frustration to waiting heirs.” (Old saying)
Not given in pregnancy.
Combines well with Vervain (equal parts) for relaxing nervine.
Practitioner combinations: Menstrual disorders, equal parts: Black Cohosh, Cramp bark, Motherwort. Heart disorders: Motherwort 1; Hawthorn 1; Lily of the Valley half.
Benzodiazepine addiction to assist withdrawal: equal parts, Motherwort, Skullcap and Valerian. Infusions, extracts or tinctures.
Preparations: Thrice daily.
Tea: 1-2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Half-1 cup.
Tea combination: equal parts, Motherwort, Balm and Lime flowers. 2 teaspoons to cup boiling water: infuse 15 minutes, 1 cup thrice daily. Angina and heart symptoms – to ameliorate.
Liquid Extract: 1:1, 25 per cent alcohol. Dose: 2-4ml (30-60 drops).
Tincture: 1:5, 25 per cent alcohol. Dose: 5-10ml (1-2 teaspoons).
Powders. 2 to 4g.
Tablets/capsules. Popular combination. Powdered extract Motherwort 4:1 – 50mg. Powdered Passion flower BHP (1983) – 90mg. Powdered extract Lime flowers 3:1 – 67mg. For a calming and sedating effect in stressful situations and insomnia. (Gerard House)
Note: Motherwort needs to be taken for weeks.