Motherwort Herb – Leonurus cardiaca L. – Herba Organica

Description

Motherwort Herb (Leonurus cardiaca L.) Dried Herb for Traditional Herbal Use

Motherwort Herb Herba Organica consists of carefully dried aerial parts of Leonurus cardiaca L., a hardy perennial plant long recognised in European herbal traditions. Characterised by its deeply lobed leaves, square stems, and clusters of small pink to pale purple flowers, Motherwort has been a familiar presence in historical herb gardens and traditional botanical collections for centuries.

Our Motherwort Herb is carefully harvested during the flowering stage and gently dried to preserve its natural structure, muted green colour, and distinctive botanical character. Hand-packed with attention to quality, this product offers a traditional dried herb suitable for measured infusions, blends, and educational or cultural herbal applications.

A Plant Rooted in European Herbal Tradition

Leonurus cardiaca L. is native to Europe and parts of Central Asia and has naturalised widely across temperate regions. The plant thrives in disturbed soils, field edges, hedgerows, and gardens, where it grows upright with branching stems and aromatic foliage.

Historically, Motherwort was cultivated in monastery gardens and rural herb plots, valued for its robust growth and distinctive bitter profile. Traditional sources describe careful harvesting of the aerial parts, which were then dried and stored for use throughout the year. Its long-standing presence in European herbals reflects its importance as both a botanical specimen and a traditional plant of interest.

Botanical Characteristics of Motherwort

Motherwort is easily identified by its deeply lobed, serrated leaves, square and slightly hairy stems, and whorled clusters of small flowers that appear along the upper portions of the plant. When dried, the herb retains a fibrous texture, muted green to brownish-green tones, and a distinctly bitter, earthy aroma. The cut aerial parts are well suited to traditional preparation methods that emphasise precise measurement, controlled steeping, and careful handling.

Ingredients

100% Motherwort Herb (Leonurus cardiaca L.), consisting of carefully dried and hand-packed aerial parts. Free from additives, preservatives, colours, flavours, or processing aids.

Why Choose Herba Organica Motherwort Herb

Carefully Sourced and Prepared

Motherwort Herb Herba Organica is selected with attention to botanical identity and harvested at an optimal stage of growth. Gentle drying methods help maintain the herb’s natural appearance, texture, and aromatic profile. Each batch is hand-packed to ensure consistency and quality.

Traditional Botanical Integrity

This product is offered in its traditional dried form, suitable for those interested in historical herbal practices, botanical study, or carefully controlled herbal preparations. The cut allows for easy portioning and accurate measurement.

Distinctive Bitter Profile

Motherwort is known for its pronounced bitter and earthy character, which makes it a distinctive component in traditional herbal blends. It combines well with aromatic leaves and flowers, creating balanced infusions with depth and complexity.

Preparation and Traditional Use

Motherwort Herb is traditionally prepared as an infusion (tea), using 1–2 teaspoons of dried aerial parts per cup of just-off-the-boil water, steeped for 10–15 minutes. Its bitter taste is often softened by blending with herbs like peppermint or chamomile.

In traditional herbal practices, Leonurus cardiaca has been used in European folk medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (as Leonurus species) for women’s health. Tinctures are another common traditional form.

How To Use Motherwort Herb

Standard Infusion

Ingredients (per cup):

• 1 teaspoon dried Motherwort Herb

• 200–250 ml hot water (not boiling)

Place the herb in a cup or teapot and pour hot water over it, avoiding boiling temperatures. Cover and allow to steep for 10–15 minutes, then strain thoroughly before use. The resulting infusion has a bitter, herbal flavour that can be adjusted by shortening the steeping time or blending with milder herbs.

Traditional Herbal Blends

Balanced Bitter Blend

Ingredients (per cup):

• ½ teaspoon Motherwort Herb

• ½ teaspoon Lemon Balm Leaf

• ½ teaspoon Hawthorn Flower

• 200–250 ml hot water

Combine the herbs in a cup or teapot and pour over hot (not boiling) water. Cover and allow to steep for 10–15 minutes before straining. This blend softens the bitterness of Motherwort while maintaining a rich herbal character.

Earthy Floral Blend

Ingredients (per cup):

• ½ teaspoon dried Motherwort

• ½ teaspoon Chamomile Flower

• ½ teaspoon Yarrow Herb

• 250 ml hot water

Add all herbs to a teapot or cup and pour over hot water. Cover and steep for 10–15 minutes, then strain carefully. This combination brings together bitter, floral, and earthy notes for a well-rounded traditional infusion.

A Thoughtful Addition to a Traditional Herbal Collection

Motherwort Herb (Leonurus cardiaca L.) Herba Organica represents a plant with deep historical roots, a distinctive botanical profile, and enduring significance in European herbal traditions. Carefully dried and hand-packed, it offers a high-quality ingredient suitable for traditional infusions, blended preparations, and botanical appreciation. Its bold character and long-standing presence in historical herbals make Motherwort a meaningful addition to any thoughtfully curated herbal collection.

Storage

Store dried herbs in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and strong odours. After opening, reseal the pouch tightly or transfer the herb to an airtight container. Proper storage helps preserve the herb’s texture, aroma, and overall quality over time.

Important Information

The description and any information provided about this product are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor to replace professional medical advice. For official UK guidance on the safe use of herbal products, see the NHS page. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medication or have a medical condition, please consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Keep out of reach of children.