Leonurus cardiaca - Motherwort

Family:	Labiatae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	1
Width:	0.5
Synonyms:
Range:	Europe. Naturalized in Britain.

Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 1m and a width of 0.5m . It has a hardness rating of 3.
Motherwort will flower in January to March. the seeds ripen from February to March
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Bees

Soil Information

Motherwort will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Motherwort prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Motherwort can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Hedge banks, waste places etc[9, 17], usually on gravelly or calcareous soils[4].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Will grow in a hedge row

Cultivation Details

An easily grown plant that succeeds in most soils[4], preferring one on the poor side[108]. This plant was at one time cultivated for its medicinal uses[4]. The whole plant is deliciously pungent when handled[245]. The plant often self-sows when well-sited[200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 2/5
The fresh or dried flowers can be used as a flavouring in soups, particularly lentil or split pea[183]. They are also used as a flavouring in beer[183]. Fresh or dried flowers can be used to make a tea[183].

• Condiment - the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
• Tea - the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 3/5
Motherwort is especially valuable in the treatment of female weaknesses and disorders, allaying nervous irritability, inducing quiet and passivity of the whole nervous system[4]. It is also seen as a remedy for heart palpitations, it has a strengthening effect, especially on a weak heart[254]. The antispasmodic and sedative effects promote relaxation rather than drowsiness[254]. The leaves are antispasmodic, astringent, cardiac, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, nervine, sedative, stomachic, tonic and uterine stimulant[4, 9, 21, 46, 165, 222]. They are taken internally in the treatment of heart complaints (notably palpitations) and problems associated with menstruation, childbirth and menopause, especially of nervous origin[238]. Although an infusion can be used, the taste is so bitter that the plant is usually made into a conserve or syrup[244]. An alcoholic extract is said to possess superior action to valerian (Valeriana officinalis)[240]. The plant has been found effective in the treatment of functional heart complaints due to autonomic imbalance, and also as an anti-thyroid treatment, though it needs to be taken for several months for these effects to be noticed[244]. The whole herb is harvested in August when in flower and can be dried for later use[4]. It should not be prescribed in the earlier stages of pregnancy or where periods are heavy[238, 254]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant[9]. It is used in the treatment of heart complaints, amenorrhoea, menopausal problems and flatulence[9].

• Antispasmodic - Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.
• Astringent - Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
• Birthing aid - Used in facilitating birth, but not just to cause uterine contrctions.
• Cardiac - Used in the treatment of heart problems.
• Diaphoretic - Induces perspiration.
• Emmenagogue - Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.
• Homeopathy - A plant used in homeopathic treatments.
• Nervine - Stimulates and calms the nerves.
• Sedative - Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.
• Stomachic - Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
• Tonic - Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
• Women's complaints - A very vague title, it deals with a miscellany of problems peculiar to the female sex.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed then it can be sown in an outdoor seedbed, or even in situ. Division in spring or autumn[238]. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Scented parts of the plants

Plant : Crushed

Known Hazards

Skin contact with this plant can cause dermatitis in susceptible people[21]. The fragrant essential oil can cause photosensitization[274]. Grazing animals can have their mouths injured by the sharp teeth of the calyces[274].

Other Uses

A dark olive-green dye is obtained from the leaves[46, 61, 145].

• Dye - Plants that provide dyes.

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flora of the British Isles.
Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Author: Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Rating:
Publisher : A very comprehensive flora, the standard reference book but it has no pictures.
Date of Publication : 1962

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

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