Motherwort Benefits, Dosage & Side Effects Supplement Information and Usage Guide
Motherwort is an herb used to support heart health and relieve menstrual discomfort.
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is a herb traditionally used to support heart health and emotional well-being, especially during hormonal changes such as menopause or postpartum recovery.
It contains alkaloids and flavonoids that may help calm the nervous system and promote circulation. Often used in tincture form, it has a slightly bitter taste and warming effect.
Motherwort is used for stress, heart rhythm support, and menstrual balance. It should be avoided during pregnancy due to its uterine-stimulating properties.
Other names & forms of Motherwort supplement : leonurus cardiaca, motherwort herb, motherwort extract
Benefits
Motherwort provides targeted benefits for calmness and circulation:
- Helps maintain Heart Health by improving blood flow and reducing palpitations.
- May support Nervous System & Stress Relief by calming anxiety and nervous tension.
- Often used for Women's Health to alleviate menstrual cramps and balance mood.
- Contributes to overall General Health through its tonic effects on the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
Dosage
Individuals often adjust the dosage of Motherwort supplement according to their specific health objectives:
- Cardiovascular and nervous system support: 400–800 mg/day of Motherwort extract (standardized to leonurine or flavonoids).
- Traditional tea: 2–3 grams of dried herb steeped 10–15 minutes, taken 1–2 times/day.
- Capsules: 500 mg once or twice daily with food.
- Recommendation: Not recommended during pregnancy; may increase uterine tone.
Side Effects
Motherwort is often used for heart palpitations and anxiety, but you may notice mild effects as its compounds act on your system. Keep an eye out for:
- Possible stomach upset—nausea or mild cramps—especially if taken on an empty stomach
- Occasional headache or dizziness in sensitive individuals
- Mild sedation or drowsiness—avoid driving or operating machinery after use
- Rare rash or itching in those sensitive to Lamiaceae family plants
- Temporary mild drop in blood pressure—monitor if hypotensive
Interactions
Possible interactions include:
- Cardiac glycosides: Motherwort’s cardiotonic compounds may potentiate digoxin, leading to bradycardia or arrhythmias—monitor ECG and heart rate.
- Antihypertensive agents: Its mild hypotensive effect can add to ACE inhibitors or L-Arginine, risking low blood pressure—check vitals regularly.
- Sedative and anxiolytic medications: Motherwort’s GABA‐like activity may enhance benzodiazepines or supplements like Lemon Balm, increasing drowsiness.
- Diuretics: Its diuretic action may augment loop or thiazide diuretics, altering fluid balance—monitor electrolytes.
Precautions
Before adding Motherwort to your regimen, confirm none of these apply to you. If they do, check with your healthcare provider:
- Individuals on blood-thinning medications: May increase bleeding risk; monitor clotting parameters
- People with low blood pressure: Can cause further hypotension; use cautiously and monitor levels
- Those with thyroid disorders: May interfere with thyroid function tests; discuss with your doctor
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Limited safety data; best to avoid high-dose supplements
- Patients scheduled for surgery: Discontinue at least two weeks prior—possible interactions with anesthesia and blood pressure
Studies
These studies provide scientific insights into Motherwort benefits:
No randomized, placebo‐controlled trials have assessed Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) for cardiac arrhythmias, anxiety, or menstrual disorders in humans, despite traditional use as a cardiotonic and nervine.
In vitro studies demonstrate mild negative chronotropic and anxiolytic effects of leonurine alkaloids, but no human RCTs confirm clinical relevance.
No trials have evaluated motherwort for arrhythmia reduction, palpitations, or stress symptoms in healthy or patient populations.
Clinical evidence is therefore insufficient to support modern therapeutic use of motherwort.
This article was originally published on Stackbb.com, your trusted source for science-based supplement guides.
Important Disclaimer: The information provided on this page about Motherwort supplement is for informational purposes only and has not been reviewed or validated by a medical professional. It is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or part of your healthcare regimen. Individual needs and responses to supplements may vary, and what works for one person may not be appropriate for another.