Leonurus semen, Motherwort seed, Chong Wei Zi 茺蔚子

Leonurus seed
Chong Wei Zi (TCM)

L. sibiricus
M. Blanco, Flora de Filipinas. (1875)

Botanical name:
Leonurus spp.
  1. L. heterophyllus (syn. L. artemisia)
  2. L. sibiricus
  3. L. turkestanicus
  4. L. rnacranthus

Parts used:
Seed

Temperature & Taste:
Cool, moist. Sweet

Uses:
1. Moves the Blood, Regulate Menstruation:
-Amenorrhea, Dysmenorrhea
-Irregular Menstruation
-Postpartum Abdominal pain

2. Clears Liver Heat, Brightens the Eyes:
-Headache
-Red, Sore, Swollen, Itchy Eyes; Pterygiurn

DOSE:
1. Maximum daily dose of 15 grams.
2. Should not be used for more than 2 weeks without a break (to avoid toxic accumulation)
In Decoction: 3–9 grams
Of the Powder: 1–3 grams

COMMENT:
1. The seed is used similarly to Motherwort herb. The main difference is the seed also treats conditions of the eyes.

PREPARATION:
1. Dry-fried Seeds:
Dry-fried seeds are more warming, and better to Move the Blood. The unprepared seeds are better for the Eyes.

Main Combinations:
1. To promote Menstruation, Motherwort seed, Dang Gui, Paeonia Bai Shao, Cyperus rotundus (Xiang Fu)
2. Postpartum disorders, combine Motherwort seed and Motherwort herb together.

Major Formulas:

Cautions:
1. Caution during Pregnancy.
2. Not used in continual or heavy menstruation

TOXICITY:
Toxic doses occur in the range of 20–30 grams. Symptoms include numbness, paralysis of the lower limbs, chest oppression and sweating.

Main Preparations used: