Leonurus, Motherwort, Yi Mu Cao 益母草

Also called Cardiaca, Matricaria
Yi Mu Cao (TCM)
New Kreuterbuch, Matthiolus, 1563
Kurtzes Handtbuchlein, Ryff, 1599
L. cardiaca
Oeder et al., Flora Danica, 1756 (1761-1883)
Botanical name:
Leonurus cardiaca (syn. L. crispus, L. campestris, L. glabra, L. discolor)
In TCM L. heterophyllus (syn. L. artermisia), L. sibiricus, L. macrathus and L. turkestanicus (in Xinjiang) are used very similarly.

Parts used:
Herb

Temperature & Taste:
Cool, dry (regarded as Warm in the West); Pungent, Bitter.

Classifications:
3D. CORDIALS & CARDIACS.    3G. EMMENAGOGUE
4c. CARDIAC.    4i. UTERINE

Uses:
1. Moves the Blood, Resolves Stasis, Promotes Menstruation (TCM, West):
-irregular Menstruation, Menstrual cramping and pain

2. Moves the Blood, Calms the Mind and Nerves, Benefits the Heart (West):
-Oppression or Pain of the Chest, Palpitations

3. Promotes Urine (TCM, West):
-Edema

4. Clears Heat, Stops Bleeding (TCM, West):
-Blood in the Urine, in the Stool, Uterine Bleeding

5. Clears Phlegm, Relieves Wheezing (West):
-cold phlegm in the Lungs; Coughs

6. Clears Heat, Resists Poison:
-sores, abscesses, eczema, erysipelas, toxic swellings, itchy skin rashes (TCM, West)

7. Kills Worms (West)

8. Externally:
-externally for ‘suffocation of the Womb’, to promote Menstruation (as a Pessary)
-hardness of the Breasts (in a poultice)
-eases Gout pain
-relieves Fever



Main Combinations:
Motherwort & Cyperus

1. Promote menstruation and clear Wind of the Womb, Motherwort with  ... available in PRO version
2. Irregular or scanty Menstruation or Infertility from Blood stasis, combine Motherwort with  ... available in PRO version
3. Threatened Miscarriage, Motherwort with  ... available in PRO version
4. Ovarian pain and inflammation, Motherwort with  ... available in PRO version
5. To benefit the Heart, Motherwort with  ... available in PRO version
6. Heart disorders with Anxiety or nervousness, combine Motherwort with  ... available in PRO version
7. Hyperthyroidism, Motherwort with  ... available in PRO version
8. Hypotension, Motherwort with  ... available in PRO version
9. Nephritis, Motherwort with  ... available in PRO version
10. Glomerulonephritis, Motherwort with  ... available in PRO version

Major Formulas
Decoction for Threatened Miscarriage (Gabelhover)
Decoction for the Womb (Schroder)
Tincture for Paralysis
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin


Cautions:
1. Generally not used during pregnancy. Specialists in China have used the Chinese Motherwort in some ante-partum disorders associated with Blood stagnation, but it must be used cautiously. It has also been used for threatened Miscarriage in the West (see Decoction for Threatened Miscarriage, above). It is only suitable for cases with Heat and excess in which case it can be used for Bleeding during pregnancy. It has been used in the time leading up to Birth to prepare the Uterus.
2. Not used in marked Qi and Blood weakness or signs of Cold.
3. May interact with anticoagulant medication.

Main Preparations used:
Distilled Water, Salt of the Ashes, Syrup, less commonly the Distilled Oil