Every single herb I grow, touch, smell or taste,  intrigues me in unexplainable ways. I love the plant, the folklore, the medicinal properties and simply the excitement I get from my work.

As a woman, I have come to realize certain plant family's, like the rose family, and their value of medicine giving abilities such as Lady's Mantle and Red Raspberry.

 "There is no more creative force in the world than the menopausal woman with zest"

-Margaret Mead

Leonurus cardiaca, or Motherwart, is an interesting herb; not just because its quirky name, but because it has a long history of medicinal uses. This herb is so important that the Japanese have a Motherwart Festival on the ninth day of the nithh month, also known as the “Month of Motherwart Flowers”

The plant and its use as a medicinal herb originated in Central Europe and Asia, although it has long been in use in the North America as well. It is very useful for a variety of ills, and is very nourishing, much like stinging nettle or dandelion. The herb contains the alkaloid leonurine, which is a mild vasodilator and has a relaxing effect on smooth muscles. For this reason, it has long been used as a cardiac tonic, nervine, and an emmenagogue.  

For menopause, use motherwort regularly to: Lessen the severity, frequency, and duration of hot flashes, relieve faintness with flashes, ease stressed nerves, relieve anxiety, and to relieve insomnia and sleep disturbances. An infusion prepared from motherwort may be used as a tonic to treat menopausal symptoms, anxiety, weakness of the heart as well as menstrual pain.
In addition to be a useful remedy for the reproductive system disorders among women, motherwort also possesses properties that invigorate as well as strengthen the cardiac system.
Motherwort calms a rapidly beating heart with readily usable minerals, trace elements, and an alkaloid exceptionally tonifying to the heart (and uterus). It has been known to strengthen the heart, reduce palpitations and tachycardia, while it tonifies the functioning of the thyroid, blood vessels, liver, heart, and uterus.