Natural Herb Library

Motherwort

Chinese
益母草
Pinyin
Yi Mu Cao
Latin
Herba Leonuri
Botanical illustration of Motherwort, Leonurus japonicus, showing flowering herb habit, lobed leaves, dried Yi Mu Cao herb, and diagnostic plant details.
Botanical plate by Kodi .

Known in TCM as Yi Mu Cao (益母草), this acrid and bitter, slightly cold herb enters the Liver, Heart, and Bladder. Traditionally, it invigorates Blood and regulates menstruation; treats dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, and irregular menstruation from Blood stasis, most often applied for dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, and menstrual irregularities. Modern research has identified Leonurine among its active constituents.

Part used: Whole herb

Also Known As

Leonurus japonicus Chinese Motherwort Leonuri

Latin: Herba Leonuri | Pinyin: Yi Mu Cao | Chinese: 益母草

TCM Properties

Taste
acrid, bitter
Temperature
slightly cold
Channels
Liver, Heart, Bladder

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

  • Invigorates Blood and regulates menstruation; treats dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, and irregular menstruation from Blood stasis
  • Promotes urination and reduces edema, particularly edema with a concurrent Blood-stasis component
  • Clears Heat and resolves toxicity for sores and skin lesions

Secondary Actions

  • A key gynecological herb used before and after childbirth to dispel retained lochia and promote uterine recovery without excessively depleting Blood

Classical References

  • Ben Cao Gang Mu (Li Shizhen, 1578) documents Yi Mu Cao as a principal herb for gynecological Blood stasis, its name meaning "Benefit the Mother Herb"

Modern Research

Active Compounds

  • Leonurine
  • Stachydrine
  • Diterpenes and flavones

Studied Effects

  • Leonurine demonstrates cardiovascular protective and hypotensive effects in preclinical models
  • Leonurine and stachydrine produce uterotonic activity, supporting traditional postpartum use
  • Additional studied activities include neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory, and anti-platelet aggregation effects

PubMed References

Safety & Interactions

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy (except under practitioner-directed postpartum use)
  • Blood deficiency without stasis

Cautions

  • Its uterotonic action makes prenatal use inappropriate outside of specific, practitioner-supervised labor-related indications

Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Motherwort used for?

Motherwort is traditionally used to Invigorates Blood and regulates menstruation; treats dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, and irregular menstruation from Blood stasis, Promotes urination and reduces edema, particularly edema with a concurrent Blood-stasis component, Clears Heat and resolves toxicity for sores and skin lesions. Research has investigated its effects on: Leonurine demonstrates cardiovascular protective and hypotensive effects in preclinical models; Leonurine and stachydrine produce uterotonic activity, supporting traditional postpartum use.

What are other names for Motherwort?

Motherwort is also known as Leonurus japonicus, Chinese Motherwort, Leonuri. In TCM: 益母草 (Yi Mu Cao); Herba Leonuri.

Is Motherwort safe during pregnancy?

Motherwort is not recommended during pregnancy.

What are the contraindications for Motherwort?

Motherwort should not be used in: Pregnancy (except under practitioner-directed postpartum use); Blood deficiency without stasis. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.