What does motherwort mean?
Motherwort is the common name of Leonurus cardiaca, a tall, aromatic perennial herb in the mint family. It is recognizable by its deeply divided, toothed leaves and small flowers that form rings around the upper stems, often with the lower portion of the flowering plant appearing less leafy. The plant is associated particularly with European and Asian traditional herbal practices and is commonly discussed in connection with childbirth, menstruation, and other women's health concerns. Its name combines “mother,” reflecting that historical association, with “wort,” an old English word for a plant or herb. Motherwort has also been prepared as teas, tinctures, and other herbal products. In gardens and the wild, it can spread readily and is found in many temperate regions. Although it has a long history of medicinal use, modern discussion of the plant should distinguish traditional practice from claims supported by clinical evidence.
nounA tall, aromatic perennial herb of the mint family, with deeply lobed leaves and small flowers arranged in whorls around the stem. Its historical association with childbirth and other women's ailments gave it the second element “wort,” meaning an herb.
- The herbaceous perennial plant Leonurus cardiaca.
- The plant or its leaves when used in traditional herbal preparations.
"Motherwort grew abundantly along the riverbank, its pale flowers clustered above the rough, divided leaves."
"The herbalist prepared motherwort tea for a patient recovering after childbirth."
"Tall stems of motherwort lined the edge of the meadow in midsummer."
Used when referring to multiple plants or distinct examples of the species.
"Several motherworts grew beside the garden fence."
A common garden herb takes its name from an old herbal tradition linking it with mothers and childbirth.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does motherwort come from?
The English name is a compound of “mother” and “wort,” an Old English term for a plant or herb. The “mother” element reflects the plant's historical association with childbirth and women's ailments, while “wort” was commonly used in English plant names, as in lungwort and St John's wort. The botanical name Leonurus cardiaca was assigned through formal Latin classification, with “cardiac” referring to traditional associations of the plant with the heart.
How motherwort is actually used
Motherwort is especially associated with women's health and childbirth in traditional European herbalism. References to its medicinal use describe herbal traditions and should not necessarily be understood as evidence of clinical effectiveness.
Easily confused with motherwort
Motherwort is Leonurus cardiaca, a member of the mint family, whereas mugwort is a typically silvery, aromatic plant of the daisy family.