Motherwort & the Midlife Heart
An Herbal Ally for Perimenopause
As women transition through perimenopause—the years leading up to menopause when hormones begin to shift—it is common to experience waves of emotional intensity, irregular cycles, anxiety, insomnia, and heart palpitations. In the garden of herbal allies for this time, Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) lives up to her name—she is truly a mothering plant, especially for the heart, womb, and nervous system.
Medicinal Properties of Motherwort
Motherwort is a beloved herb in Western herbalism for its ability to soothe the nervous system, regulate the menstrual cycle, and strengthen the heart—physically and emotionally. Its Latin name, Leonurus cardiaca, literally means “lion-hearted,” and many herbalists see her as an herb that gives women courage during transitional times.
Primary Herbal Actions:
Nervine: Calms the nervous system, eases anxiety and tension
Cardiotonic: Tones and strengthens the heart muscle; supportive for heart palpitations due to anxiety or hormonal shifts
Emmenagogue: Stimulates delayed or scanty menstruation
Uterine tonic: Eases menstrual cramps and tones the uterus
Mild bitter: Supports digestion and liver detox pathways, important for hormone balance
Why Motherwort for Perimenopause?
During perimenopause, estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate unpredictably. This can lead to:
Mood swings, anxiety, and panic
Palpitations and heat sensations
Irregular or heavy bleeding
Sleep disturbances
Motherwort addresses many of these symptoms with grace:
Calms the mind when sleep won’t come
Grounds emotional swings
Eases cyclical anxiety or weepiness
Helps regulate bleeding and cramping
Softens the emotional heart, especially when grief or anger arise unexpectedly
How to Use Motherwort: Recipes & Dosages
Motherwort Tincture
This is the most common and effective preparation, especially for acute symptoms.
Recipe:
Fill a clean glass jar with fresh (or dried) aerial parts of motherwort.
Cover with 80–100 proof alcohol (vodka or brandy).
Let sit for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
Strain and store in a dark glass dropper bottle.
Dosage:
10–30 drops, 2–4x/day for chronic support
1–2 droppers full during acute anxiety or palpitations
(Note: Taste is very bitter! Chase with water or take in a bit of juice.)
Motherwort + Rose Oxymel (for the Emotional Heart)
An oxymel is a blend of vinegar and honey—ideal for those who dislike tincture alcohol.
Recipe:
Fill a jar ½ full with dried motherwort and rose petals
Add 1 part raw apple cider vinegar and 1 part raw honey
Let steep for 4 weeks, then strain
Store in a glass bottle and refrigerate
Dosage:
1–2 tsp in warm water daily or as needed for emotional support
Mindful Cautions
Avoid during pregnancy (motherwort is a uterine stimulant).
May slightly increase bleeding in those prone to heavy cycles—monitor closely.
Always consult your herbalist or healthcare provider if on heart medications.
The Sacred Threshold
Perimenopause is not a disease—it is a sacred threshold. Motherwort reminds us that we are not alone in this transformation. She offers steadiness in the storm, helps us re-center, and mothers the parts of us that feel raw, fiery, or worn.
Let this lion-hearted plant become your ally, reminding you of your own strength, softness, and wild rhythm.
