Motherwort benefits to heart health

Motherwort has been used in traditional medicine to treat many conditions, most commonly gynecological conditions, heart disease and anxiety. I remember learning at college that it was like a hug in a bottle and I always think of this when using Motherwort. It is a beautiful herb to use for heart issues where anxiety is also present. Aside from it’s long traditional uses, there is growing current research that helps to explain how Motherwort helps with heart disease.

One of the main benefits of Motherwort is that it is a rich source of anti oxidants, including flavonoids, triterpenes, alkaloids, tannins and sterols, that can help protect the body from free radical damage.

How can Motherwort help with heart disease?

• One of the more famous traditional uses of motherwort is to help regulate irregular heart rates caused by anxiety and stress. Studies have shown it to have anti-arrhythmic effects which can help regulate heart rates and lower increased heart rates.

• A small trial using Motherwort oil showed significant improvements in blood pressure readings, heart rate, and ECG as well as an improvement in anxiety, sleep and headaches.

• Motherwort has a weak calcium channel blocker action, furthering its benefits in high blood pressure.

• It contains a specific chemical called leonurine which is an alkaloid with a wide range of biological activity including vasodilation, muscle relaxant, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, and anti-apoptosis. (cell death)

• An alkaloid called Stachydrine is found in Motherwort, which has been shown to protect endothelial function

• Motherwort is rich in bioactive flavonoids. Large observational studies have shown a link between a persons total flavonoid intake and their risk of heart disease. Higher flavonoid intakes lead to a reduced risk of heart disease.

• A rich source of anti-oxidants which are known to lower cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality.

If you would like to learn more about using herbs and nutrition to help manage heart disease click here to book an appointment with me.