Evidence supporting the use of: Motherwort
For the health condition: Heart (weakness)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) has a long history of traditional use in supporting heart health, particularly for symptoms described as "heart weakness," palpitations, and mild forms of cardiovascular discomfort. Historical records from European herbal medicine, especially in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, cite motherwort as a remedy for "melancholy, palpitations of the heart, and fainting," with herbalists such as Nicholas Culpeper and John Gerard noting its calming effects on both the heart and the mind. Its use was especially prevalent in cases considered to be related to anxiety or nervousness, rather than structural heart disease.

Phytochemically, motherwort contains iridoids (notably leonurine), flavonoids, and alkaloids, which have been suggested in some animal and in vitro studies to possess mild sedative, antispasmodic, and hypotensive effects. However, robust clinical trials in humans validating its efficacy for "heart weakness" are lacking. Modern herbalists continue to use motherwort primarily as a nervine and mild cardiac tonic, typically in cases where anxiety or stress is believed to contribute to palpitations or perceived weakness of the heart, rather than for severe or organic cardiac conditions.

In summary, while motherwort’s use for "heart weakness" is well-supported by tradition, scientific evidence remains limited and anecdotal, with no strong clinical studies confirming significant benefit for this indication. It should not be considered a substitute for evidence-based medical care in serious heart conditions.

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