Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

Botanical Description

Motherwort is a hardy perennial in the mint family (Lamiaceae), growing up to 1.5 meters tall. It features square stems, lobed, serrated leaves, and small, pink to purple flowers clustered in leaf axils. Native to central Asia and southeastern Europe, it is now naturalised widely across the UK, often found along hedgerows, waste ground, and churchyards.

Its Latin name, Leonurus cardiaca, reflects its traditional use as a cardiac tonic—“lion’s heart.”

Parts Used
  • Aerial parts (leaves, flowers, stems)
    (Best harvested during early to mid-flowering stage)

Equine Use

Benefits:
  • May assist anxious or tense horses, especially mares with hormonal imbalances
  • Useful in cases of mild cardiac weakness (with professional guidance)
  • Can help reduce uterine cramps in mares during oestrus
Use Considerations:
  • May be included in blends for hormonal support or calming
  • Not recommended during pregnancy
  • Should be used under guidance when cardiac issues are present
Form:
  • Dried aerial parts as infusion or powdered into feed; tincture (carefully dosed)

Canine Use

Benefits:
  • Calming for anxious, reactive, or nervous dogs
  • Helpful for older dogs with heart murmurs or palpitations (veterinary oversight recommended)
  • May ease menstrual discomfort in unspayed females
Use Considerations:
  • Not for use in pregnant animals
  • Always introduce gradually due to its bitter taste
  • Useful in behavioural blends or with nervines like skullcap and valerian
Form:
  • Infusion, powdered herb in food, or tincture (glycerite for easier dosing)

UK and Isle of Man Folklore & Traditional Use

In British folk medicine, Motherwort was revered as a “mother’s herb,” used to ease childbirth, regulate menstruation, and relieve palpitations from nervous tension. It was often made into a tea for “hysterical afflictions” and menopausal unrest.

In rural Manx tradition, plants like Motherwort were believed to protect women and strengthen “the heart and home.” Some lore associates it with warding off evil spirits and illness—sprigs were hung near doorways to protect birthing women and children.

It was sometimes planted near homes or churches as a protective charm, much like rue or mugwort, and its lion-themed Latin name gave rise to beliefs in its strength-giving properties.

Calming

Wellbeing

Mint (Mentha spp.) Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)