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Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
Calms anxiety-related heart palpitations and rapid heartbeat while providing mild sedative and menstrual support effects.
What the evidence says
Most Motherwort studies are mechanism or observational rather than RCTs that measure a clinical effect — keep findings provisional.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 2006–2026 with a typical study size of 97 participants.
Based on 19 studies · 1 meta-analysis · 4 RCTs · 587 total participants
Confidence
ModerateWhat the studies found
By outcome
Motherwort has an evidence score of 8/10 — strong evidence based on 19 indexed studies, including 3 meta-analyses. Calms anxiety-related heart palpitations and rapid heartbeat while providing mild sedative and menstrual support effects.
The commonly studied dose of Motherwort is 300-600mg extract or 1-2g dried herb. Research points to an estimated optimal dose around 40mg, with a minimum effective dose near 20mg. Individual response varies — start low and adjust.
The best time to take Motherwort is in the evening. Taking it with food is preferred. Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) contains leonurine and stachydrine, which exert mild sedative, anxiolytic, and cardiac-calming effects.
Curcumin
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Rhodiola Rosea
Probably helpsFast-acting adaptogen that combats mental fatigue and improves cognitive performance under stress — works within days, not weeks.
Last reviewed May 2026 · evidence from 25 studies · how we score
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.
Motherwort is a mint-family herb with a long history of use in both European and Chinese traditional medicine. Its Latin name 'cardiaca' reflects its traditional use for heart-related concerns, particularly palpitations and rapid heartbeat associated with anxiety. It's also valued for menstrual support and has mild sedative properties.
May help calm heart palpitations
Calms the nervous system
How Motherwort works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
300-600mg extract or 1-2g dried herb
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Take with food
| Form | Type |
|---|---|
| 💊Tincture or capsules | Recommended |
| 🍵Dried herb tea | Alternative |
| 💊Extract | Alternative |
Tincture allows flexible dosing. Tea is traditional but very bitter.
Minimum: 2 weeks
Optimal: 8 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: Can be taken as needed for acute anxiety or regularly for ongoing support. Very bitter as tea.
Based on multiple RCTs and meta-analyses (n=51,312+ combined). Evidence specific to motherwort injection, not oral forms. Clinical use limited to medical supervision for obstetric applications.
Reduced anxiety and nervous tension
May reduce palpitations and rapid heartbeat
Very bitter flavor when taken as tea
Avoid; may stimulate uterine contractions
May enhance sedative effects
May affect heart rhythm; consult doctor
Tip: Reduce dose; avoid driving if affected
Tip: Take with food
Motherwort is generally well-tolerated and considered safe for most healthy adults at recommended doses. The most commonly reported side effects are drowsiness, GI upset. Use caution if any of these apply to you: Pregnancy (may stimulate uterus); Heavy menstrual bleeding.
Saffron
Likely helpsClinically matched low-dose SSRIs for mild-to-moderate depression — also reduces anxiety and PMS symptoms.
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