Motherwort
Leonurus cardiaca
---Flavor Profile and Uses
---Identification
---Harvesting Instructions
- Extremely bitter with a strong scent - recommended to be taken as a tincture or powder capsule
- Very effective at strengthening the heart and circulatory system
- Strong nervine and potent bitter which can alleviate depression and reduce nervous tension
- Aids in digestion and tonifies the liver
- Relaxes the muscles and can ease menstrual discomfort and cramping
- Great herb for people experiencing postpartum or menopausal changes
---Identification
- Thrives in well-drained, loamy, fertile soil and full sun to partial shade
- Deeply divided, dark green leaves with 3 - 5 lobes and silvery-grey undersides
- Stems are hairy and cause the plant to feel prickly when mature
- Flowers form in multiple whorls of pinkish white blossoms that grow on the spiky tops of the plant
---Harvesting Instructions
- Harvest when in full bloom in mid- to late July on a hot, dry day
- Cut the entire aerial portion of the plant, leaving a few inches of vegetation for regeneration (the first harvest, however, will always be larger than the second during the season)
- When handling, it is recommended to wear gloves due to the plant's prickliness
- Dry in bundles upside down in an area protected from the elements with good airflow
- When plants begin to crumble easily, remove foliage and flowers from stems and store in an airtight container (preferably with paper or desiccation packets added to absorb moisture and prevent molding over time)
Carpenter, Jeff, and Carpenter, Melanie. The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer. Chelsea Green Publishing, 2015.