Page 114 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

Hairy pale pink to lav- uterus when menstruation is scant or to relieve cramps
ender flowers grow in associated with delayed menstruation and PMS.
whorls alternating up
the stem at the leaf ADHD: Motherwort, along with Lemon Balm, Vale-
nodes on the upper rian, and Wild Oats, (Avena sativa), is often used to
part of the plant. They help people with ADHD.
bloom June through Anxiety and Depression: Motherwort is believed
early September. The to have a calming effect on the central nervous system
calyx remains on the and reduces stress, anxiety, worry, and panic attacks.
plant through the win- It lifts the mood and reduces depression. For best re-
ter, becoming brown sults in reducing anxiety and depression, use mother-
and stiff when dry. In- wort regularly.
side the lobes are 4
nutlets. Hyperthyroidism: Motherwort relieves many of
the symptoms of an over-active thyroid (hyperthyroid-
Edible Use: The ism). It regulates the metabolism, the nervous system,
flowers are edible and is and relieves heart palpitations and anxiety caused by
Photo by D. Gordon, Own Work, CC
BY-SA 3.0 used as a flavoring in an over-active thyroid. It also helps increase the appe-
pea soups, beer, or for tite and improves the overall thyroid health.
making tea. The flavor is very bitter, so the leaves are
rarely eaten. Insomnia and Sleep Problems: The calming
effects of motherwort help improve sleep problems
Medicinal Use: Motherwort is best known for its such as insomnia and restlessness.
benefits to the heart and for treating women’s com-
plaints. The leaves and flowers are the parts of the Warning: Pregnant women should use the herb un-
plant usually used for medicine. der the supervision
of a medical profes-
Heart Health: Motherwort has a reputation for sional. It can expe-
treating a wide variety of heart conditions. It is used to dite labor and in-
prevent calcification of the arteries, treating high cho- crease contractions.
lesterol, hypertension, and other heart conditions.
Consult a medical
Motherwort regulates the heart rate, treating rapid professional before
heartbeats and improves blood circulation in the body. taking the herb is
you are taking heart
Prevents Strokes: This herb reduces the risk of
blood clots forming in the body, thereby reducing the medications or have
risk of strokes from blood clots. heart problems.
Add the dried leaves
Women’s Health Issues (Birth, Delayed to boiling water and
Menstruation, PMS): Expectant mothers use allow it to steep for
motherwort to reduce stress and tension at delivery 10 minutes. Strain
time (do not take while pregnant). During delivery, it and enjoy. Sweeten
strengthens uterine contractions. It is believed that the tea with honey
motherwort can also help the uterus recover after or lemon if desired
birth. to improve the fla-
The herb is also effective at treating menstrual issues vor.
and regulating female hormones. It is an emmena- Recipes. Motherwort Tea: 1 teaspoon of dried
gogue (stimulates menstrual flow) and thus helps with leaves, 1 cup of boiling water.
delayed menstruation. Herbalists use it to tone the

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