Also called lion’s tail, motherwort has been used in ancient herbal medicine for anxiety, heart health, and more. However, there’s limited evidence to support these potential benefits.

The ancient Greeks used motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) to reduce anxiety during childbirth. The prickly bush is native to Asia and Southeastern Europe, and it’s primarily used as a tea or tincture for its potential medicinal properties.

While some forms of herbal medicine claim that it has a range of health benefits, there has not been a significant amount of scientific evidence to back it up. There are also potential side effects to be aware of.

Motherwort has been used for thousands of years for heart disease, anxiety, and irregular menstruation.

Though many of its traditional uses have not been scientifically studied, some preliminary research suggests the herb may have some potential health benefits.

Antioxidant properties

Motherwort contains numerous plant-based compounds with antioxidant properties, including flavonoids, sterols, triterpenes, and tannins. Antioxidants are compounds that protect your cells from damage caused by potentially harmful molecules known as free radicals.

While research from 2019 suggests that motherwort’s antioxidant properties may be beneficial, more evidence is needed to confirm how effective it is and how it should be used.

May help with anxiety

One traditional use of motherwort is to help reduce rapid or irregular heart rate caused by stress or anxiety.

A 2021 study found that motherwort extract containing certain amino acids helped to reduce anxiety in animals.

In older test-tube and animal studies, motherwort extract showed antiarrhythmic effects, suggesting it could help lower elevated heart rate. However, these effects have not been observed in humans.

Despite limited research, some European countries have approved the use of motherwort to support heart health and help treat hyperthyroidism, stress, and anxiety.

Other potential benefits

While research is limited, motherwort may offer other benefits, including:

  • Reducing postpartum blood loss: Early research from 2019 suggests that treatment with motherwort and oxytocin may reduce the risk of postpartum blood loss compared with oxytocin alone.
  • Relieving anxiety and depression: While limited in scope, 2017 research in rats found a reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression after taking motherwort or leonurine.

Current research on motherwort’s effects on humans is limited. As a result, the herb’s safety and potential side effects are not fully understood.

Based on 2019 findings, the potential side effects of consuming excess motherwort include:

Because motherwort has the potential to affect heart rate and rhythm, you should avoid it if you’re taking heart medication. If you do want to try it, it’s a good idea to speak with a doctor first.

The herb has been shown to interact with the blood thinner warfarin. Avoid taking motherwort if you’re on a blood thinner unless your doctor recommends it.

Due to a lack of research and its potential to stimulate uterine contractions, people who are pregnant or nursing are also advised to avoid motherwort.

As research in humans is limited, there’s currently no set recommended dosage for motherwort.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommends consuming less than 3 grams of powdered extract per day to avoid potential side effects.

Motherwort can be purchased as loose-leaf tea or in tincture and capsule forms.

When consumed as a tea, motherwort is often combined with honey, ginger, lemon, sugar, or other strong flavors to help mask its bitterness.

Motherwort is an herb that has been used for thousands of years by those looking to reap its potential health benefits, particularly those related to heart health and anxiety.

However, research on its effectiveness and safety in humans is lacking. More studies are needed before it can be recommended for health purposes.

If you want to try motherwort, it’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional first.