Motherwort herb growing in the wild appears as a
sturdy stemmed perennial
of up to 5 feet (1.5 m.) tall with pink to pale purple clustered flowers of six to 15 axils, or spaces between the leaf and stem, and prickly sepals.
Is Motherwort an annual or perennial?
(Leonuris artemisia) Motherwort is an
herbaceous perennial
member of the mint family that is hardy from USDA zones 3-7 and grown as an annual in other zones. Native to central Asia and southeast Europe, in traditional Chinese medicine the herb is given to mothers.
Is Motherwort herb invasive?
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is
considered an invasive plant in the state of Wisconsin
. It’s a perennial herb in the mint family. Motherwort likes shade to partial sun and moist, acidic soil. … The herb produces many, many tiny seeds, and is self sowing — which is why it spreads so well.
How do you stop Motherwort from spreading?
Motherwort is a vigorous grower, and care must be taken to ensure that it doesn’t spread more than desired. To prevent self seeding,
cut foliage back to 3-5 inches after flowering and before the seeds have a chance to mature
. This keeps the plant from going to seed and spreading everywhere.
Can you grow Motherwort inside?
Starting Motherwort Seeds
Gardeners can either start the seeds outside in the garden or inside for transplanting. If you want to start the seeds inside, plant them
a few weeks before the final frost date in your area
.
Does motherwort help anxiety?
Anxiety. Early research suggests that taking a motherwort tincture
by mouth for 10 days can decrease anxiety
.
When should motherwort be used?
Motherwort is used for heart conditions, including
heart failure
, irregular heartbeat, fast heartbeat, and heart symptoms due to anxiety. It is also used for the absence of menstrual periods, intestinal gas (flatulence), and over-active thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
How do I get rid of motherwort?
Chemical: Careful spot-applications of
glyphosate (Roundup®, etc.)
or triclo pyr (Garlon®, etc.) are the easiest and most effective means of control. Triclopyr is a broadleaf-specific herbicide and won’t harm grasses or sedges.
Is motherwort a diuretic?
It was widely used to regulate menses and to treat associated conditions. It was also considered
a helpful diuretic and heart-strengthening herb
by herbalists in both cultures, particularly to alleviate heart palpitations associated with anxiety attacks. Europeans used motherwort as a sedative as well.
How do you harvest and use motherwort?
Motherwort should be
harvested when in full bloom
. Harvest the aerial parts—leaves, flowers, and stems can be used. I use the stem only on the upper portions of the plant, where it is fairly small and supple. On the lower portions, I remove the leaves to use in tea or tinctures, and discard the stem outdoors.
What are the benefits of motherwort?
Motherwort contains several antioxidants and has been linked to various health benefits. These include a
reduced risk of heart disease
, as well as decreased blood pressure and heart rate caused by stress or anxiety.
How do you take care of a motherwort plant?
Motherwort is an extremely hardy weed or herb, depending upon who you ask and only requires sun to light shade, most any soil type and
enough water to keep moist
. Motherwort herb growing will occur and steadily increase with seed broadcasting.
How big does motherwort get?
Motherwort blooms from mid to late summer and can be harvested anytime. Motherwort is also an interesting herb for the ornamental landscape. It has a clumping habit and can grow
up to 4 ft tall
. The leaf structure is very unique, and the purple/blueish flower is a cool, soothing addition to the garden.
Can mugwort be toxic?
Also, mugwort contains a substance called thujone, which
can be toxic in large amounts
. The amount present in the herb itself is little enough that experts generally consider it safe to use.
Can you eat motherwort leaves?
Edibility and culinary use. Unlike other herbs in the mint family, motherwort doesn’t taste or smell particularly good. In fact, it actually tastes bitter. Despite this, motherwort leaves and flowers are
still widely consumed for its health benefits
.
How do you transplant motherwort?
Motherwort seeds can be sewn indoors for
transplanting in early spring
or directly planted in the garden in late spring. Cover seeds lightly. Thin or transplant seedlings to be about a foot apart. Wait until seedlings are at least 4 inches tall before transplanting.
