Description: Motherwort is a perennial plant found mainly in the northern part of the U.S. and all over Europe, in waste places, vineyards, and along fences and
paths. The rootstock produces several square, hollow, grooved stems, often tinged with red-violet. The opposite, downy leaves are 3- to 7-lobed and sharply incised.
Properties and Uses: Astringent, calmative, cardiac, emmenagogue, stomachic. Motherwort is most commonly used for nervous heart problems and for stomach gas and cramps. It has also been given for menopausal problems, shortness of breath, goiter, and congestion of respiratory passages. Motherwort has been of benefit too in cases of neuritis, neuralgia, and rheumatism. In general, it can be used like fragrant valerian.
CAUTION: Contact with the plant may cause dermatitis in susceptible individuals.