Motherwort is acknowledged as an herb in the mint family. Available in dietary supplement form, motherwort happens to be a source of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and leonurine, a compound that is found to promote the relaxation of blood vessel walls.
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Uses for Motherwort
Motherwort is said to help with a variety of health conditions, such as:
• Anxiety
• Flatulence
• High blood pressure
• Insomnia (a sleep disorder)
• Hyperthyroidism
• Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• Menopause symptoms such as hot flashes
When applied to the skin, motherwort is indeed thought to promote healing from shingles.
Motherwort also is made use of to regulate menstrual periods. Proponents suggest that motherwort can indeed stimulate uterine blood flow.
Benefits of Motherwort
Although motherwort has long been made use of for systems of traditional medicine which include traditional Chinese medicine, few scientific studies have rather tested the herb’s health effects. Still, some preliminary research does show that motherwort may offer certain health benefits.
Anxiety and High Blood Pressure
Motherwort can also help people with anxiety. Treatment with motherwort does bring about a significant improvement in symptoms of anxiety and depression. There is also an improvement in blood pressure.
Inflammation
Motherwort may also help curb inflammation. Motherwort slows down the release of a number of pro-inflammatory compounds. It can help control inflammatory diseases.
Cancer
Preliminary research does suggest that mother wort may indeed possess cancer-fighting properties. It should be noted that more research is required before mother wort can be recommended for treating or preventing cancer.
It is still to be ascertained whether motherwort herb can be made use of for long-term or regular use or how it might interact with medication or other supplements. For example, motherwort has been found to have antiplatelet activity, so it need not be taken by people with bleeding disorders or by people taking blood-thinners such as warfarin. It also does affect heart rate as well as rhythm, therefore one must not take it with other medication without discussing the issue with one’s doctor.
It is also made use of for the treatment of a heart condition.
It’s important to keep in mind that supplements haven’t been tested for safety and dietary supplements are largely unregulated. In some cases, the product may deliver doses that differ from the specified amount for each herb.
In other cases, the product may be contaminated with other substances such as metals. Also, the safety of supplements in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions or who are taking medications has not been established.
Where to Find It?
Many natural-foods stores, drugstores, and stores specializing in dietary supplements sell motherwort in tincture, tea, capsule, and tablet form. You can also purchase motherwort supplements online.
The Takeaway
There is a lack of clinical research on the effects and safety of motherwort. If one is also considering the use of the herb for any condition, one must consult the doctor.
No doubt there are a number of other remedies that do help to improve your heart health. Getting regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, following a diet rich in vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids, and anticyclonic-rich fruits and vegetables, managing one’s everyday stress, limiting one’s alcohol consumption, and also quitting smoking that may help to reduce one’s risk of heart attack and stroke.