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Used by the ancient Greeks to reduce anxiety during childbirth, motherwort (Cardiac leonurus) is primarily used as a tea or tincture for its potential medicinal properties (1).

Also called lion's tail, motherwort is an upright, thorny bush with dark green leaves and hairy purple or pink flowers (1).

It is native to Asia and southeastern Europe, but is now found throughout the world. In the United States, it is considered an invasive species (2).

Unlike some other herbs in the mint family, it has an unpleasant odor and bitter flavor.

This article reviews the anomaly, including its potential benefits and side effects.

Potential Benefits of Motherwort

motherwort has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of conditions, including heart disease, anxiety, and irregular menstruation (1).

Although many of its traditional uses have not been scientifically studied, research indicates that this plant has potential health benefits.

Antioxidant properties

motherwort contains many plant-based compounds with antioxidant properties, including flavonoids, sterols, triterpenes, and tannins (3, 4, 5, 6).

Antioxidants are compounds that protect your cells from damage caused by potentially harmful molecules called free radicals (seven).

Research shows that antioxidants may help protect against several diseases, including cancer, arthritis, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease (7).

May lower heart rate and blood pressure

The traditional use of anti-mother is to help reduce fast or irregular heart rate caused by stress or anxiety.

In tests carried out on test tubes and animals, the extract of motherwort has shown antiarrhythmic effects, suggesting it may help reduce elevated heart rate. However, these effects have not been observed in humans (8).

A 28-day study in 50 adults with high blood pressure and anxiety showed that supplementing with Motherwort extract reduced heart rate, but the change was insignificant (9).

However, the results showed significant improvements in blood pressure levels. However, the study was quite small and similar results have not yet been replicated (9).

Despite limited research, some European countries have approved the use of Motherwort to promote heart health and help treat hyperthyroidism, stress, and anxiety (10).

May help heart health

Ursolic acid, leonurine, and flavonoids are compounds in mothers that have shown heart-protective effects in rat studies. However, these results have not been confirmed in humans. (11, 12, 13, 14).

Nevertheless, although not specific to mother-to-mother flavonoids, observational studies in humans have shown a relationship between total flavonoid consumption and a reduced risk of developing and dying from disease. cardiac (15, 16).

Other potential benefits

Although research is limited, mother-to-mother action may provide additional benefits, including:

• May reduce postpartum blood loss. Early research suggests that treatment with mother's air and oxytocin can significantly reduce the risk of blood loss after delivery, compared to oxytocin alone (17).
• May relieve anxiety and depression. Although limited in scope, early studies in humans and rats show a reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression after taking mother's air extracts or leonurine daily for up to 4 years. weeks (9, 18).
• May reduce inflammation. Test-tube and animal studies have shown that leonurine in motherwort has anti-inflammatory properties. However, these results have not been confirmed in humans (19, 20).

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Motherwort contains several antioxidants and has been linked to various health benefits. These include a reduced risk of heart disease, as well as a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate caused by stress or anxiety.

Possible side effects

Current research on the effects of motherwort in humans is limited. As a result, the safety of the plant and its potential side effects are not fully understood.

According to recent findings, overconsumption can lead to side effects such as diarrhea, uterine bleeding, and stomach pain (10, 19).

Because acting has the potential to affect heart rate and rhythm, people taking heart rate medications, such as beta blockers, and people with hypotension should consult their health care provider before taking take this supplement (19).

Additionally, the herb has been found to interact with warfarin, a blood thinner that does not thin the blood, and no one should take it with a blood thinning medication unless authorized by a healthcare professional. (21).

Finally, due to the lack of research and its potential to stimulate uterine contractions, pregnant or breastfeeding women are also advised to avoid aggression (10).

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Consuming excess motherwort could cause diarrhea, uterine bleeding and stomach pain. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as those taking heart rate monitors or blood thinning medications should avoid undergoing motherwort unless authorized by a healthcare professional.

Suggested dosage

Because research in humans is limited, there is currently no recommended dosage for motherwort.

However, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommends consuming less than 3 grams of powdered extract per day to avoid possible adverse effects (10, 19).

motherwort can be purchased as loose tea or in tincture and capsule form.

When consumed as tea, it is often combined with honey, ginger, lemon, sugar or other strong flavorings to combat its bitterness.

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Since little research has been done on the effects of motherwort in humans, there are no recommendations for optimal dosage. To avoid potential side effects, current recommendations recommend taking less than 3 grams of powdered extract per day.

Final Summary

motherwort is an herb that has been used for thousands of years by those seeking its potential health benefits, particularly those related to heart health and anxiety.

However, research into its effectiveness and safety in humans is lacking. As such, several studies are needed before it can be recommended for health reasons.

If you want to try motherwort, talk to your healthcare provider first. You can find tinctures and teas at local specialty stores or online.