Overview

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiac) is a plant that grows about 1 meter in height. The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.

Motherwort has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It might also help fight bacteria and stimulate the uterus.

People use motherwort to prevent or stop bleeding. It is also used for heart failure, symptoms of menopause, high blood pressure, wound healing, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

  • Bleeding. Injecting motherwort into the muscle or uterus might help reduce bleeding from childbirth, caesarian section (c-section), and abortion surgery. But higher quality research is needed to confirm this.
There is interest in using motherwort for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Motherwort is possibly safe when used as an extract in soybean oil for up to 28 days. Side effects might include diarrhea and upset stomach.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Motherwort is possibly safe when used as an extract in soybean oil for up to 28 days. Side effects might include diarrhea and upset stomach.


Pregnancy: Taking motherwort by mouth during pregnancy is likely unsafe. Motherwort can stimulate the uterus and might cause a miscarriage.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if motherwort is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with MOTHERWORT

    Motherwort might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking motherwort with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of motherwort might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.