How Does This Ayurvedic Herb Supplement Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia that has been naturalized in many other parts of the world. It is a tall, hairy plant with small, pink or purple flowers and large, hairy leaves.

As the botanical name Leo-norus suggests, it restores the heart to that of a lion. Motherwort was given to "restore the spirit" in someone debilited due to exhaustion, work, and stress. It is believed to work by increasing the availability of a chemical called GABA in the brain, which helps to calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety.

Motherwort for the Heart

Motherwort is often used to support heart health, as it is believed to have a number of cardiovascular benefits, including reducing anxiety and stress, lowering blood pressure, and regulating heart rate. It is a calming heart tonic and beta blocker for cases where palpitations and arrhythmias are due to nerves and hormones, rather than heart disease.

Its mild sedative effect can help to slow down the heart rate, and is sometimes used to treat menstrual cramps and other menstrual disorders.

In addition, it is thought to have a mild blood-thinning effect, which may help to prevent blood clots and improve blood flow to the heart. It's anti-inflammatory effects are also beneficial in cardioavascular health.

Effect on the liver

Some studies have found that compounds in motherwort may help to reduce inflammation in the liver and may have antioxidant effects, which could help to protect the liver from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, motherwort has been shown to have a mild diuretic effect, which can help to increase urine production and flush toxins out of the body.

Effect on hormones

As with many mint family herbs, Motherwort may help to reduce levels of the hormone prolactin in the body. As prolactin stimulates production of breast milk and suppresses the menstrual cycle, the reduction of prolactin can improve fertility in PCOS clients with elevated prolactin / testosterone. Additionally, motherwort is thought to have a mild estrogen-like effect.

Summary

As an anti-inflammatory and sedative, motherwort reduces Vata and Pitta doshas. However, its bitter, drying effect can also reduce Kapha. Thus, motherwort is a tri-doshic herb. It is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the effects of motherwort.