(Leonarus cardiaca)
Family: Lamiaceae
There she stands. Firmly rooted, those bottom leaves were there under the snow...yes! Even in Minnesota! In June/ July she is standing tall. Opposite, alternate leaves, and a square stem, (she is a mint tribal member, afterall!) Leaves outstretched like hands. Just like a mother she has many hands, hands willing to catch, cuddle, clean, stroke, dig, dance, and inspire! And too like many mothers, she stands tall, yet is mostly ignored. Taken for granted. Her love is abundant as well as her flowers. Like many mothers, the beauty of Leonarus's flowers aren't showy, they are unassuming. Quietly displaying their beauty for anyone who will take the time to get close enough to look.
And if you look close enough, the sweet lavender petals with purple spots are exquisite! The taste however, not so much! Perhaps she is so bitter because people refer to her as a "weed" or "invasive." I prefer the word "abundant!"
Tastes and Impressions
Her taste being primarily bitter, she leaves a cooling energy within the body. Perhaps why she has been touted as somewhat of a menopause herb as of late, especially for hot flashes. I do find that if one is more of a cold constitution, it would serve better to be warmed up a bit coupled with another herb of a warmer degree, depending on the issue at hand- Ginger, Black Pepper, Cinnamon, or Nasturtium even. I find Motherwort to be on the neutral to drying side.
Medicinal Action and Uses
I don't see dear Motherwort as primarily a menopause herb, however. No plant is that simple! For me, being a young mother to a toddler, Motherwort helps me to take a deep breath, so deep sometimes they lead to a yawn! Breaths that come from the diaphragm--the ones that really serve you well, and bring a bit of space about in the cluttered minds we keep. It helps me to release ego, calm the mind and promote sleep. Maude Grieves states that it induces "quiet and passivity of the whole nervous system." This has been my experience as well. Culpeper, the wonderful astrological herbalist of the late 1600's writes- "Venus owns this herb and it is under Leo. There is no better herb to drive melancholy vapors from the heart, to strengthen it and make the mind cheerful, blithe, and merry."
In an herb walk with Jim McDonald, he states that Leonarus is useful in cases of high blood pressure, palpitations, irregular heartbeats, or stress related rapid heartbeats. Jim also suggests using this in cases of hyperthyroid. Hyperthyroid is mostly indicated by palpitations, speedy heart rate and anxiety. This symptom picture would be signs of general heat in the body, and the cooling energy of Motherwort does well here. Though motherwort, I suspect, is generally relaxing and heartbeat strengthening for everyone, I do think it most important not to cool down the already cold person. So again, conscious formulating is important. Motherwort can make me downright chilly!
Motherwort: Mover of Blood and a Signature Perhaps?
Lady Motherwort is also known as an emmenogogue, or "blood mover". "Emmenegogue" does not always mean menstruation promoter, but it does mean that it has some sort of affinity for getting the blood moving where it needs to go. But, in this case, it is believed to promote menstruation. Michael Tierra notes that it was used by Ancient Chinese courtesans, who referred to it as Imu. It was taken daily to prevent pregnancy and venereal diseases. Perhaps it was effective on an energetic level for the courtesans as well in protecting their heart space.
I believe there is a signature of sorts in the flowers and surprisingly prickly seed pods. The flowers appear delicate, and if one takes the time to admire her lovely flowers, and touch them, they will be surprised to learn this firsthand! As with other plants with thorns or prickles, I believe Motherwort is an ally for self protection and self nurturing. She helps you to keep your guard down, while at once keeping your boundaries in place. An important tool in the healers and mothers medicine bag. For those who need primarily this aspect of the flower, I would suggest allying with Motherwort in flower essence form. Great Lakes Sacred Essences suggests that Motherwort flower essence is appropriate for those who are "caretakers," always wanting to help others before caring for themselves. (Sound familiar mothers and herbalists?) Once one begins to nourish the self, nurturing will come "from a place of internal wholeness." Martin Bulgerin, a local teacher of mine, states that Motherwort essence goes "deep into the heart to release all those old influences from others" useful for instances of codependency, especially where there is an unhealthy attachment of being a caretaker for the other.
