Motherwort (botanical name leonurus cardiaca) is One of the Best Herbs for Menopause Insomnia, Anxiety and Hot Flashes

Motherwort has been used by European, Native American and Chinese women for many years. It has been in use since before the 1600s.

It is gently calming without being sedating.

Motherwort is known for helping with hot flashes, anxiety and insomnia. It is also a heart tonic, and can ease palpitations and angina. It works well with another heart tonic, hawthorn (Crataegus). It is also known for opening your heart energetically.

It is hypotensive, meaning it can lower blood pressure.

Motherwort is a perennial that grows 3 to 5 feet high, with purplish or whitish-red flowers. It is in the mint family.

Precautions: May affect blood clotting. If you have a clotting disorder, avoid motherwort. Motherwort is a uterine stimulant. Don't take in pregnancy.

Preparations and dosage: Parts used are the leaf or whole plant. Tincture: 10-20 drops 3 x/day or a dropperful as needed for nerves, hot flashes or insomnia.

Personal Experience: My first experience with motherwort was disappointing. I was using it for post-partum depression and didn't notice any effect from it.

Recently, however, my experience has been completely different. I started taking it to help lower my blood pressure (30-60 drops/day), and found that, from the first day, I slept really well, it was a deep sleep, but I didn't feel groggy at all when I woke up, simply rested. And my hot flashes have reduced significantly in the amount I'm having each day. The intensity has also lessened somewhat. All in all, I'm very happy with my motherwort right now! (I haven't been taking it long enough to see how it works for my blood pressure-that takes 6 to 8 weeks, maybe more)

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