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Motherwort
(Lionurus cardiaca)
lion’s ear, lion’s tail, throw-wort
 Description:
An erect leafy perennial, 5 feet tall, with rootstocks
which send up
several square, hollow, grooved stems, which at times
are red-violet in color. The leaves are opposite, 3-7
lobed, sharply incised, green above, white-hairy beneath.
Small white or pinkish flowers appear in numerous small
whorls in axils, the upper lip furry. The calyx has 5
sharp teeth. Found throughout the U.S. in waste places,
vineyards, along fences and paths.
Medicinal:
It is a astringent, cardiac, emmenagoue, sedative, and
stomachic.The Leaves and flowering tops are most commonly
used for nervous heart problems, insomnia, stomach gas,
cramps, to promote menstruation and regulate menses, to
help in childbirth and menopausal problems. It is also
used for asthma, goiters and congestion of the respiratory
passages. Steep 1 teaspoon tops or leaves in 1/2 cup water.
Take 1 cup a day, unsweetened, mouthful at a time. Cases
of contact dermatitis reported, but rare.
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