Synopsis

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

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) has a long history of use in traditional Western herbalism, especially for conditions described historically as “nervous exhaustion” or “nervous debility.” In the 19th and early 20th centuries, herbalists and eclectic physicians recommended motherwort for symptoms such as anxiety, mild insomnia, palpitations, and nervous irritability—complaints that would often be grouped under the umbrella of “nervous exhaustion.” The plant is considered a mild sedative and nervine, meaning it is believed to calm the nervous system and support relaxation. Traditional herbal texts, such as those by Maude Grieve and Nicholas Culpeper, describe motherwort as helpful for “afflictions of the heart” associated with emotional distress, and as a remedy for women’s nervous complaints, particularly during menopause or after childbirth.

However, modern scientific research supporting motherwort’s efficacy for nervous exhaustion is limited. Some laboratory studies have identified compounds in motherwort with mild sedative or anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties, but robust human clinical trials are lacking. Most of the evidence for its use in nervous exhaustion remains anecdotal or is based on historical precedent. As such, motherwort continues to be used by herbalists today for mild nervous system support, but its reputation for this use is grounded primarily in tradition rather than strong scientific validation.

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