shopping Motherwort - two varieties
Motherwort herb, c/s, wild crafted image
[ 63 ]Leonurus cardiaca

Motherwort Herb Cut & Sifted, Wild Crafted

1/4 Pound:  $4.93 Pound:  $10.95 
Motherwort herb, powder image
[ 4555 ]Leonurus cardiaca

Motherwort Herb Powder

1/4 Pound:  $5.93 Pound:  $13.18 
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Wholesale Motherwort

Leonurus cardiaca
plant overview
herb of the heart

Motherwort is so-called because it is considered to be the “mother” of all worts, the Old English term for herbaceous plants with remedial qualities or that provide fermentation for beer-making. Also known as lion’s tail, lion’s ear and heartwort, motherwort has a long history of use as a tonic herb and, as one ancient writer has suggested, as protection against “wykked sperytis.” The presence of alkaloids in the plant that may act on the heart necessitates caution with using this motherwort herb internally unless under the guidance of a qualified health care practitioner experienced in its use.

Clicking "learn more" next to each variety will take you to individual product pages for details.

01.
A Bit of Botany

a little botanical information on motherwort

description
Leonurus cardiaca is a herbaceous perennial plant in the Lamiaceae family. The plant grows to about 60-100cm in height; and has a square stem and opposite leaves. The leaves have serrated margins and are palmately lobed with long petioles; the basal leaves are wedge shaped with three points, while the upper leaves are more latticed. Motherwort's flowers bud in the axils of its leaves on the upper part of the plant. Blooms appear in the summer months (June through August). The pink-to-lilac colored flowers are small, and often have furry lower lips.

common names & nomenclature
The botanical name, Leonurus cardiaca also comes from the greek. Leon being "lion", ouros for "tail" and kardiaca refers to the heart.

Also known as:
Motherwort, Lion’s tail, Lion’s ear, throw-wort, heartwort, Agripaume, Herbe battudo, Agripalma, Melissa, salvatica, Aartgespan, Hartgespan, yi mu cao, yakumos

Motherwort, the herb of the heart

02.
Where in the World

habitat and range for motherwort

Viscum album is native to Europe as well as western and southern Asia.

03.
Cultivation & Harvesting

considerations for growing and harvesting motherwort

climate
Motherwort herb grows along roadsides and in other partially shaded, low-traffic areas such as vacant fields.

soil
Motherwort prefers soil that is light, slightly alkaline and well drained.

growing
Motherwort can be easily grown from seed. It will reseed and return each year if it is allowed to set seed at the end of its growth cycle. As you may have deduced this plant is considered very invasive so extra care should be taken, cutting the stalks before seeds drop will help prevent invasion.

harvesting
The plants should be harvested while in full bloom. Cut the entire plant at the base of the stalk and hang upside down to dry. Be sure to leave a few stalks to self seed.

preserving
Store dried motherwort herb in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

for educational purposes only

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

please be advised:  Before making any changes to your diet you should always consult with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have existing conditions.

All reviews solely reflect the views and opinions expressed by the reviewer and not that of Monterey Bay Herb Co. We do not verify or endorse any claims made by any reviewer. None of these statements have been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.