Motherwort: The Mother We Need

One of the interesting things about being an herbalist is that there are so many herbs to get to know. And when I say ‘get to know,’ that’s really what I mean. We’re not just scooping up a mishmash of dried out hay-colored grass clippings, nor are we clicking on a bottle of encapsulated powders and adding it to our carts. Herbalists who formulate spend time with these plants- whether we’re actually outside with them as they grow, or diving into books and reading about the energetic and spiritual stories of each plant. Usually, we do both. We get down and dirty with certain plants and form relationships with them. Sometimes they are an old friend, like Nettle and Yarrow. Sometimes they’re a new friend for me, like Wood Betony, or Linden before that. There are just so many herbs out there; it takes a lifetime to get to know most of them. And my love thus far this year has been for Motherwort. 

Although I say she is ‘new’ to me, what I really mean is I just haven’t worked with her before. Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is mentioned over and over by many herbalists, and I particularly love the way Kat Maier refers to her. Yet for whatever reason it just really wasn’t in my practice. And then here we are. The herbs show up when they are needed, you know.

My love affair with Motherwort began (embarrassingly enough) at an herb conference last year. I wanted to buy a sweatshirt from my favorite herb-themed clothing company, but the only sweatshirt left was one with Motherwort. Meh- not my herb but whatever. I bought it. I guess you could say I started using her topically before internally. OK sorry- that was a bad and very nerdy herb joke. 

A few months later I heard about (and I hate that I can’t remember where I learned this) using drop doses of Motherwort for anger-related PMS or anger in Perimenopause. While I’m not a homeopath, I really love the way it works in the body, and am fascinated by how different doses of herbs can completely change the way they affect the body. 

And, since I’m dipping my toes into my crone stage, I decided to try it. Three drops. 

Damn, ya’ll. 

It took my rage down in a pretty incredible way. I (personally) don’t often experience herbs working for me so quickly and dramatically. This was pretty cool. And I know for a fact that my husband and daughter appreciate it. 

Then I started using it with clients. Same effect. And for whatever reason, I’ve had an influx of women coming to work with me lately who are good candidates for this drop dose medicine. They all have noticed the difference Motherwort can make when used for this specific indication.

She’s some powerful medicine. But that’s how mothers are- at least this mother. And my mother. And myself, as a mother. 

For me, Motherwort is the Mama Bear of herbs. She is fierce. Protective. No bullshit. But she’ll also hold you when you need her with a softness that smoothes out some of those edges. She can be fiery and fine all at once. She teaches lessons, and sometimes those are not easy to hear, but you needed them. She is true heart medicine.

My baby Motherwort

I’m just in my beginning stages of understanding Motherwort, but I plan on getting to know her better by growing her this year. The seeds I planted a few months ago are happily reaching for the sun now, and I can’t wait to get them out into the Big Herb Garden where they’ll be able to flourish and spread. This might be the year of Motherwort for me. 

If you’re interested in learning more about Motherwort, Sajah Popham at Evolutionary Herbalism has some beautiful insight on Motherwort which you can check out here. I guess I’ll have to add this lady to my Herb of the Month for you all! If you’d like to be part of the Herb of the Month newsletter, click here to sign up.