Motherwort & Menopause
Motherwort: the first part of the word says it all. Nothing is more helpful than your mother, especially if you are going through menopause. This herb helps eliminate hot flashes that menopausal women suffer from. By taking motherwort every day, you will also relieve that faint feeling, which is another symptom of menopause.
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Chinese Medicine
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Chinese medicine has employed motherwort for centuries. It originated in Central Asia, but because of its medicinal properties, it has gained worldwide recognition. Many countries are now growing their own motherwort plants.
Motherwort is an herb that regulates how your thyroid functions. It also helps the liver, heart, and uterus. Being a medical wonder for years, it helps relieve shortness of breath, clears up congested airways, and helps your circulation by increasing the oxygen that passes through your veins.
If you are feeling anxious, motherwort will calm your nerves. Unlike pharmaceutical sedatives that put you to sleep, motherwort relaxes your body, but leaves you ready for action. It helps relieve depression that can accompany menopause. Herbalists use motherwort to improve a person's mental outlook. For centuries, women used motherwort to regulate the menstrual cycle.
The Motherwort Family
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Leonurus cardiace is the binomial name for motherwort. Motherwort also goes by the names of Throw-wort, Lion's Tail and Lion's Ear. This herb is a relative of the mint family. The stems are square and the leaves are lobed with three points. The flowers are small and vary in colors between pink and lilac. Motherwort blooming season is from June to August. The plant grows to a height between 60 and 100 cm. It belongs to the lamiaceae family, order of Lamiales. The genus name is Loenurus.
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Other Uses
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Not only does motherwort help with menopausal symptoms, it aids the body in a number of other ailments. Motherwort eases painful gas and relieves constipation. It restores the vagina walls by increasing the blood flow to the pelvis and thickens the tissues of the bladder, uterus, and vagina. If menstrual cramps are a problem, motherwort can help stop them. Motherwort injected into the body prevents blood clots. Motherwort contains leonurine, which is a chemical that helps the uterus to contract.
The combination of motherwort with black cohosh will provide relief from fluid retention and bloating.
Precautions and Warnings
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Motherwort could be habit forming if used as a sleep aid. The combination of motherwort with black cohosh will provide relief from fluid retention and bloating.
With all medications and herbal remedies, it is best to discuss using motherwort with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Do not use during the first trimester of pregnancy. Motherwort can cause a miscarriage. If you have a heart condition, ask your doctor first. If you are taking any medication to thin your blood, or if you have clotting problems, do not take or use motherwort.
Recommended Dosage
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If you take black cohosh extract, the recommended dose is one or two 500 mg doses along with motherwort tea. To make the tea, boil six ounces of water and add one teaspoon dried motherwort and allow it to steep. Drink this tea mixture two to three times a day. Motherwort has a bitter taste, so many prefer to take it in capsule form. Dosage ranges from one to four pills a day. If you prefer to use a tincture, take up to 1 tablespoon a day.
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References
- Photo Credit Doctor Swan: Flickr.com
