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Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
Traditionally used to support calm and a steady, relaxed heartbeat, with 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 440 participants.
Based on 25 studies · 2 meta-analyses · 5 RCTs · 7,949 total participants
Confidence
High confidenceWhat the studies found
By outcome
Motherwort's strongest data are for injectable postpartum-hemorrhage use, not oral calming claims; oral evidence rests on small trials and reviews, so anxiety and palpitation uses remain Emerging.
4 trials ongoing or recruiting · 2 completed on ClinicalTrials.gov
Registered trials show research momentum for Motherwort, not proof of effect — a registration is a plan, and posted results are sponsor-reported, not peer-reviewed. They are never counted toward the evidence rating above.
Browse these trials on ClinicalTrials.govClinicalTrials.gov · as of Oct 2026
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.
Avoid; may stimulate uterine contractions
Additive sedation — may enhance drowsiness
Motherwort has antiplatelet activity — may increase bleeding risk
May affect heart rate and rhythm; additive or interfering cardiac effects — use under medical supervision
Tip: Reduce dose; avoid driving if affected
Tip: Take with food
Motherwort has an evidence score of 3.5/10 — emerging evidence based on 24 indexed studies, including 1 meta-analysis. Traditionally used to support calm and a steady, relaxed heartbeat, with mild sedative and menstrual-support effects. Representative study: PMID 29882344.
The commonly studied dose of Motherwort is 300-600mg extract or 1-2g dried herb (a typical label dose, not the dose used in the cited trials, which used 1,200 mg of an oil extract a day). Individual needs vary — start at the lower end of the range and adjust based on how you respond.
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.
Motherwort has a safety rating of "moderate". That is a category, not a measure of individual risk, and there are precautions worth knowing. Reported side effects are uncommon and include drowsiness, GI upset. Use caution if any of these apply to you: Pregnancy (uterine stimulant); Heavy menstrual bleeding.
Curcumin
Probably helpsTurmeric's active compound that modulates NF-kB inflammatory pathways — supports mood, joint health, and post-exercise recovery.
Saffron
Likely helpsBeat placebo for depression in meta-analyses, and small trials found no significant difference versus SSRIs, which does not show equal effect. Also studied for anxiety and PMS symptoms.
Rhodiola Rosea
Probably helpsFast-acting adaptogen that combats mental fatigue and improves cognitive performance under stress — works within days, not weeks.
Omega-3
Probably helpsEssential fatty acids critical for brain health, mood regulation, and reducing inflammation throughout the body.
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Reviewed by Dr. Baher Al Hakim · Last reviewed May 2026 · evidence from 25 studies · how we score · editorial policy
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.
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