Uses: Motherwort has been employed from time immemorial as a domestic remedy in infusion preparations. It is especially strengthening to the heart when of a palpitation nature. A valuable bitter tonic for almost all conditions of the stomach. Being a true nervine it is excellent for suppressed menstruation and other female trouble, hysteria, urinary cramps, albumen in the urine and scanty muddy urine of typhoid. The unexplained, long-established hidden talent of Leonurus has yet to be scientifically conceived. Experience from lasting results has also given matchless benefits in rheumatism, sciatica, neuritis, sleeplessness, convulsion, delirium and chest colds. Motherwort seems to seek out congested material and eliminate the unwanted material that is causing discomfort. S. Clymer, of“ Natures Healing Agents”, suggests Leonurus in small doses for prenatal prevention of kidney complications during this period, especially albumen in the urine. Also an agent for unsuspecting worms. Combines well with all herbs and is used for liver affections in combinations.
MOTHERWORT Leonurus cardiaca, L.( Ontario Department of Agriculture, Toronto, Canada, 1966)
Dose: Of the decoction, from l – 2 wineglassfuls every 2 – 3 hr. Of the extract, 3 – 5 grains. Externally: Hot fomentations made from strong tea will relieve cramps and pain in painful menstruation, etc. Homoeopathic Clinical: Tincture or infusion of fresh plant— Dysentery, Haemorrhage. Russian Experience: Pustirnik Serdechny,“ Heart Herb”, is one of the names for Motherwort, of which there are many species. It seems to be the forgotten herb of Europe. In the fifteenth century it was prominent in herbal books, but in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries it seems to have been forgotten. Its popularity still holds good in Folk Medicine of Rumania as an aid to heart conditions, goitre and epilepsy and also in Britain for hysteria, neuralgia, weakness of heart, shortness of breath. Folk Medicine of Russia consider the fresh leaves and flowers better than dried. The fresh juice is extracted and prepared for winter use— 2 parts of juice to 3 parts of alcohol( Vishaya Schkola, 1963). For female complaints of amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, sleeplessness, nervousness, TB of the lungs( Bello-Russ. Academy of Science, 1965). For heart neurosis, high blood pressure, goitre, epilepsy, used as a tea( Moscow University, 1963). Instead of Valerian( Valeriana officinalis) the fresh juice of leaves and flowers, 30 – 40 drops, for calming( Saratov University, 1963). Clinically: Extract and tablets are combined with many other herbs for neurosis of the heart, high blood pressure( cardiosclerosis, sensitive nerves), slight form of goitre. Experimentally, toxicity is not shown but it is used for improving the central nervous system, heart tone and to regulate blood pressure( Atlas, Moscow, 1963). Industrial: Commercial cultivation: 7 – 8 lb. of seed needed for row system; 3 – 4 lb. for square net procedure. Plantation harvest runs four years, with about 1,000 lb. of dry leaves and flowers to an acre from the first year’ s crop. For the following three years, 2,000 – 3,000 lb. per acre are attained, if