How to Grow Motherwort

Motherwort is an herb generally associated with menopause, but can be used at anytime during a woman’s adult life. Its purported herbal abilities include strengthening the immune system, regulating periods and calming mood swings. Motherwort is simple to grow and is not only beautiful in the garden but also attracts bumblebees, honeybees and butterflies.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Motherwort seeds
• A contained space in your garden or yard
• Shove or hoe
• Rake

1. Use rock or other landscaping edging to define the space where you wish your Motherwort to grow.
2. Remove all grasses or other plants within the defined area. Use a shovel or a hoe to make sure nothing remains but soil.
3. Use the hoe or the rake to loosen the top two inches of the remaining soil.
4. Sprinkle the Motherwort seeds over the desired area. Cover with 1/4” of soil.
5. Plants will germinate quickly, after the area receives water. Thin the plants to 12” to 18” inches apart.

Tips & Warnings

• The flower heads are the most used part of the plant in herbal remedies. It is generally taken in tincture form.
• Motherwort can grow to five foot or more in height and can make a wonderful hedge.
• Not only women but men also use motherwort in the treatment of heart and lung ailments.
• Motherwort, once established, can become invasive if it is not in a contained space.
• Never take Motherwort, or any other herbal, without first consulting your primary care physician.