Practical Uses for Motherwort

“Motherwort”. As the name suggests, this wonder herb is a woman’s best friend, right from when she hits puberty to menopause to right up until our last days. Here’s how motherwort can help you (and your daughters, sisters, mother, grandmother… you get the picture) live a happier, healthier life:

PMS Relief

If you are like most women, no period goes by without some uncomfortable cramping. For those with mild to moderate cramps, try taking 5 to 10 drops of motherwort to ease your cramps in under 10 minutes. Continue to take another 5 to 10 drops every 10 minutes until your cramps have been absolved completely.

If you suffer from irregular periods, this has been known to help regulate your menstrual cycle, as well as help prevent any bloating. Taking small yet frequent doses of motherwort throughout the day will help cut down any bloating in a matter of hours.

Motherwort also tones the uterus, which in turn reduces the chance of cramps in the future. This also, of course, helps prepare our bodies for both pregnancy and childbirth.

Pregnancy and Birth

Not only is it a uterine tonic, but it also seems to be a vaginal tonic as well! Motherwort encourages blood flow to the pelvis and helps thicken the tissues of the organs in the area (such as your bladder, uterus and vagina). This will tighten and improve the elasticity of your vaginal walls, as well as help keep you from feeling the urge to pee so often!

Motherwort has been well known to help promote the flow of a mother’s milk, so if you find your milk not coming in so quickly after baby’s born, take 10 to 15 drops of motherwort daily for best results.

Menopause

Tired of waking up in a soaking sweat at 3am? How about those hot flashes that strike in the middle of the day and cause that horrible dizzy sensation? Motherwort can help reduce the duration, frequency and severity of your hot flashes, as well as take away the faint sensations you may experience. Try taking any where from 15 to 25 drops daily for 3 months to help you with this condition.

Uses that Both Sexes can Enjoy

Yes, men can enjoy a “mother’s” touch too! For any bouts of insomnia, take 10 to 15 drops of motherwort and follow it up with a gulp of water. This will help calm you and soothe away any nightmares you may also be experiencing (this is common for women in menopause).

Who wants to be less stressed out? As with the sleeping remedy, motherwort eases nerves and helps eliminate stress with 10 to 20 drops of this tincture. Continue to use it every day for the best effects, and take ever 5 minutes if you are experiencing a lot of stress and need some quick healing.

For those looking for a stronger heart with a regular pulse, look to motherwort yet again (this herb didn’t get the nick name “lion-hearted” for no reason!). A 1 ml. drop of motherwort will ease heart palpitations and tachycardia, and hypertension after extended use.

Looking to improve digestion and eliminate constipation? Try adding 5 to 10 drops to your daily regime.

Lastly, if eliminating depression and increasing your life expectancy is what you seek, motherwort can help you with that too. Try taking motherwort in the morning rather than your caffeinated coffee – I guarantee you that you will be feeling happier and healthier in no time.

photo by Cody Hough