Motherwort

Leonurus cardiaca

Motherwort’s primary medicinal usage is twofold: for the woman’s reproductive system and the heart. Herbalist Robin Rose Bennett observes that motherwort’s stems grow red as the summer advances, indicating motherwort’s relationship to the blood, heart, and womb.

Motherwort has a special affinity for women throughout their lives. Motherwort is an effective tonic for menstrual and menopausal symptoms due to its anti spasmodic, nerving, emmenagogic, and hormonal actions. As an emmenagogue (blood mover), motherwort brings on delayed menstruation or resolves amenorrhea (lack of menstruation).

As an ally for women who suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS), motherwort’s antispasmodic action eases cramps while its nerving action calms irritability and its hormonal balancing eases sore breasts. An an ally during childbirth, motherwort stimulates uterine contractions and can bring on labor due to the glycoside leonuride; it can also calm anxiety that may accompany childbirth. It also eases cramping after birth (should be used only AFTER uterine bleeding has stopped if using after childbirth). Motherwort can also be helpful in cases of postpartum depression and anxiety.

An ally during menopause, motherwort helps moderate hormone levels and eases hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, mood wings, and depression.

*always conduct your own research to learn more about the benefits of this wonderful herb.

*motherwort is contraindicated for women with endometriosis or fibroids and for anyone with hypothyroidism.

Mullein

Verbascum thapsus

Rich in mucilage and saponins that act specifically on the respiratory system, mullein is an expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-spasmodic that is useful for bronchitis and dry coughing, and is a general tonifying herb for the respiratory system. Mulleins expectorant action boosts coughing to effectively aid the body in removing congestion associated with wheezing. It is used for coughs, asthma, colds, bronchitis, and other lung and respiratory system issues.

*always conduct your own research to learn more about the benefits of this wonderful herb.

Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalis

Modern herbalists apply lemon balm as a nerving tonic. As a carminative and antispasmodic, lemon balm is also used to ease digestive issues including spasms and flatulence; due to its mild anti depressant properties, it is especially indicated digestive upset related to anxiety or depression.

Herbalist Matthew Wood indicates lemon balm for an overactive sympathetic nervous system and hyperadrenalism or hyperthyroidism, particularly when heart or stomach issues are present. However, persons suffering from thyroid conditions should consult a healthcare practitioner before taking lemon balm preparations, which may negatively affect thyroid hormone medication.

Herbalists also commonly make use of lemon balms antiviral actions to address issues such as cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox. Topical applications of lemon balm on herpes simplex sores have been shown to improve healing time.

Lemon balm is also employed to improve memory and concentration and is sometimes used in cases of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder as well as Alzheimer’s disease.

*always conduct your own research to learn more about the benefits of this wonderful herb.

TULSI (holy basil)

Ocimum tenuiflorum 

Tulsi, also known as holy basil or sacred basil, is an herbaceous plant in the mint family that is native to South Asia. 

As a nervine, it is initially stimulating, but then brings a calm and reassuring sense of solidity and groundedness that helps quiet the mind, collect distracted thoughts into focus, and give one a sense of resilience for the long haul. It is uplifting and joyful, guiding open the heart to feel gratitude and a yearning for emotional connection. It can also be used in instances of situational depression.

Tulsi has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, adaptogenic, immunomodulating, antioxidant, neuroprotective, radioprotective, anticancer, alterative, antispasmodic, expectorant, decongestant, carminative, stimulating, emmenagogue, galactagogue, nervine, heart opening, and antidepressant actions. Like many plants in the mint family, tulsi works to open and balance, particularly in the head, the heart, and the stomach. 

*Conduct your own research to learn more about the many benefits of this wonderful herb.