What is Motherwort?
Motherwort is known by its scientific name Leonurus cardiaca, and by several synonyms, like lion’s tail, heartwort, leonurus, and throwwort. The plant is native to Asia, but is now grown worldwide. For centuries, it’s been used as a blood thinner, a muscle relaxant, a way to regulate menstrual cycles, and as a way to regulate labor and reduce postpartum depression. In the US, motherwort is sold as a nutritional supplement, and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not control its sale or verify its safety or effectiveness. It does appear to be relatively effective in thinning the blood based on laboratory studies, but this may not be a good thing. If you’re on blood thinners, motherwort may create bleeding problems when combined with drugs like aspirin or warfarin. It should never be used by a person with a cardiac condition without advice from a physician. Further, concern exists about its use in stimulating or regulating labor. Since it can cause thinning of the blood, it in
