ENGLISH NAME: Common Motherwort
LATIN NAME: Leonurus cardiaca
LOCAL NAMES:
Czechia: Srdečník obecný
Turkey: Aslanpençesi
Bulgaria: Дяволска уста (Diavolska Usta)
Georgia: შავბალახა (Shavbalakha)
COUNTRY: Georgia, Turkey,
Bulgaria, Czechia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: All regions of Georgia
Elevation: Lowlands to moderate elevations
Terrain: Meadows, roadsides, woodland edges, disturbed areas
DESCRIPTION:
A robust perennial herb reaching up to 1–1.5 meters (3–5 feet) tall, featuring
square stems and deeply lobed, toothed, heart-shaped leaves. The leaves emit a
faint minty aroma when crushed. Small pink to purple tubular flowers grow in
whorls along the stem, blooming from late spring through early autumn.
Motherwort is attractive to bees and other pollinators.
USABLE PARTS: Leaves, flowers
MEDICINAL
PROPERTIES:
Cardiovascular
Support: Traditionally
used to support heart health and mild hypertension.
Calming and
Relaxing: Mild sedative
effects; may reduce anxiety, nervous tension, and promote relaxation.
Menstrual Health: Historically used to ease menstrual cramps,
regulate cycles, and as a mild uterine tonic (not for use in pregnancy).
Anti-inflammatory
& Antioxidant:
Contains flavonoids and other compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and
antioxidant properties.
Sleep Aid: May help promote restful sleep due to
sedative properties.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
Gastrointestinal
upset: Nausea or mild
digestive discomfort in some individuals.
Allergic
reactions: Skin rash,
itching, or rare respiratory symptoms.
Drowsiness: Use caution with activities requiring
alertness.
Uterine
stimulation: Do not use during pregnancy.
Drug
interactions: May enhance
effects of sedatives or hypotensive medications—consult a healthcare provider.
COMBINING WITH
OTHER MEDICINES:
Can be combined with calming herbs (like lemon balm or chamomile) for stress or
sleep. Not recommended with other sedatives or blood pressure medicines without
medical guidance.
PREPARATION:
Tea/Infusion: 1–2 tsp dried leaves and flowers per cup,
steep 5–10 minutes, strain, drink up to 3 times daily.
Tincture: Fresh or dried herb macerated in alcohol,
taken in drops (consult dosing guidelines).
Extracts: Used in herbal blends for calming or heart
support.
HARVEST TIME:
Late spring to early autumn, when in full bloom.
HARVEST METHOD:
Harvest in the morning, after dew
dries.
Use sharp scissors/pruners to cut
stems with leaves and flowers.
Leave enough growth for plant
sustainability; avoid overharvesting.
Rinse if needed, then air-dry in a
single layer away from direct sun.
CONSERVATION
(STORAGE):
Store fully dried material in airtight
containers, in a cool, dark place.
Keep whole until use to preserve aroma
and compounds.
Periodically check for moisture or
pests.
For long-term storage, freezing is an
option (in sealed containers).