St Francis Motherwort(Leonurus cardiaca)
* Traditionally used to treat palpitations and functional cardiac conditions of nervous or hyperthyroid origin and to strengthen heart function
* Traditionally used for the relief of nervous tension A nervine and cardiotonic with hypotensive properties, motherwort is a herb with a long history of medicinal use in several cultures of both East and West. Classic British herbalist Mrs. M. Grieve provides an excellent summary of the therapeutic scope of this herb: "Old writers tell us that there is no better herb for strengthening and gladdening the heart, and that it is good against hysterical complaints, and especially for palpitations of the heart when they arise from hysteric causes... it will allay inward tremors, faintings, etc." Herb expert Michael Castleman tells of the remarkable scientific research that corroborates the efficacy of motherwort: "In China, laboratory studies have shown that motherwort helps relax heart cells. Other Chinese research suggests that it helps prevent the blood clots that trigger heart attack. Russian researchers have also found that the herb contains compounds that reduce blood pressure." Commission E, Germany`s foremost herbal authority, has approved motherwort for the following uses: "Nervous cardiac disorders and as adjuvant for thyroid hyperfunction." As widely published herbal botanist James Duke points out, "With a name like cardiaca, this herb might be expected to help heart problems, and science confirms that it does. Chinese studies show that it slows a rapid heartbeat, generally improving cardiac activity. It also helps tranquilize the nervous system, reducing the anxiety, nervous tension and stress that may accompany or trigger heart problems." In his monograph on motherwort, leading herbalist David Hoffmann explains that, "Motherwort is... an excellent heart tonic, strengthening without straining. It is considered a specific for tachycardia (heart palpitations), especially when brought on by anxiety or other such causes. It may be used in all heart conditions associated with anxiety and tension... Motherwort has demonstrated cardioactivity in vitro. An alcoholic extract was found to have a direct inhibitory effect on myocardial cells." Well-known physician Rudolf Weiss adds that motherwort also has sedative, antithyroid benefits and is useful in relieving palpitation and tachycardia, cardiac symptoms that are frequently associated with hyperthyroidism. Administration:
30-60 drops (1-2ml), three times daily, in a mouthful of water, on an empty stomach Contraindications and Cautions:
Do not take if pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you have a thyroid or heart condition or are taking heart or thyroid medications. A NOTE ON TINCTURES
Tinctures are more readily absorbed by the body and have a high degree of bio-availability. As well, they have a long shelf life. Sometimes people ask us why tinctures are alcohol-based. There are very good reasons. Alcohol is critically important in the extraction of an herb`s medicinal ingredients. It also helps to stabilize and preserve them. Alcohol is the ideal carrier substance, conveying the therapeutic goodness of the herb to the body. In itself, too, science has proven that alcohol enhances the immune system and its defences. As for the amount of alcohol taken in an average dose of tincture, you`ll be surprised to learn that it`s about the same as what you`d find in an overly ripe banana! Tinctures remain the most practical way to take advantage of the amazing, health-giving power of herbs. Ingredients:
Certified Organic Motherwort
(Leonurus cardiaca)
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