Evidence supporting the use of: Motherwort
For the body system: Uterus
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) has a long history of traditional use in Western herbalism, particularly for supporting female reproductive health and the uterus. Herbal texts from Europe, dating back to at least the Middle Ages, describe motherwort as an herb used by midwives to ease menstrual discomfort, regulate cycles, and support women during childbirth and the postpartum period. The common name itself reflects this association (“mother’s herb”). Early herbalists, such as Nicholas Culpeper in the 17th century, recommended motherwort for “all diseases of the womb.”
Modern research into motherwort's effects on the uterus is limited. Some laboratory studies suggest that compounds in motherwort, such as leonurine, may have mild uterotonic (uterus-toning) and antispasmodic effects, which could theoretically explain its traditional use for menstrual cramping and uterine health. However, robust human clinical trials are lacking, and most evidence remains anecdotal or based on traditional practice. Due to the lack of strong scientific studies, the use of motherwort for uterine support is best categorized as traditional, with a modest evidence rating reflecting the absence of high-quality clinical data.
Other ingredients that support Uterus
AbutaAgnuside
Alchemilla
Aletris
Angelica
anise
Anserina
Ashoka
astragalus
barbasco
bethroot
black cohosh
blessed thistle
blue cohosh
bugbane
Carthamus
casticin
chamomile
chaste tree
chickweed
Clary sage
cohosh
cramp bark
Crinum latifolium
daidzein
damiana
dioscorea
diosgenin
dong quai
dong quai root
estrogen
evening primrose oil
false unicorn root
fennel
fenugreek
fo-ti
folate
folic acid
genistein
giant trillium
ginger
ginseng
golden ragwort
gotu kola
guelder rose
isoflavones
jasmine
Labisia pumila
Lady's Mantle
Leptadenia
licorice root
lignans
ligustilides
Lilium humboldtii
Loranthus
maca
macaenes
magnesium
Miroestrol
Montanoa tomentosa
Motherwort
Mugwort
Osthole
paeoniflorin
parsley
Pennyroyal
peony
Phlomis umbrosa
Phytoestrogens
protein
Pulsatilla
raspberry
red clover
Rehmannia
root tuber
rose
rose oil
Safed musli
Sanguisorba
Scotch Broom
Shataverins
shepherd's purse
Sichuan Lovage
Soy
soy isoflavones
squawvine
Viburnum
Vitex Agnus-Castus
Vitexicarpin
White Dead Nettle Flower
Wild yam
Yarrow
Zinc
Other body systems supported by Motherwort
ArteriesBlood
Circulatory System
Female Reproductive System
Glandular System
Heart
Nerves
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Reproductive System
Specific Hormones
Uterus
