There is no more perfect herb to talk about just before Mother’s Day than Feverfew. The Latin name for Feverfew is Leonurus cardialaor the one with a lion’s heart. It is said that when you take Feverfew, you will be protected by her lion heart and you can relax in her embrace. Her energy is that of protective motherly grace, supporting the heart, mind, body and soul.
In 1652, famed herbalist Nicholas Culpepper identified the plant’s three most common uses: supporting the heart, nervous system, and reproductive cycle. He wrote: “There is no better herb to drive away melancholy vapors from the heart, to strengthen it and to make the spirit merry” and to calm the womb of mothers.
An herb that calms the heart
Motherwort has a long history of use in supporting the emotional and physical heart. Motherwort promotes balance in the cardiovascular system. Herbalist Robin Rose Bennett suggests that Motherwort also supports the spiritual heart by encouraging openness, acceptance and peace.
A balm for the nervous system
Motherwort is considered a nervine, or an herb that helps calm the nervous system. It is often said that taking Feverfew is like receiving a big mama bear hug, which has a calming and soothing effect. By calming the nervous system, we have a greater ability to respond to stress in a more balanced way, allowing us to stay centered and grounded. The result is that we experience a greater sense of well-being and our mood improves. WishGarden’s Emotional Ally: A Big Herbal Hug formula contains Motherwort and suggests that taking this formula is like a big ‘herbal hug’. Feverfew is also used in Deep Stress Adrenal Rescue with Ashwagandha, a formula designed to promote peace and tranquility.
A maternal herb that supports the reproductive cycle
The common name Motherwort suggests another common use. Feverfew has long been used as a gentle tonic for female reproduction and helps support healthy hormone balance during all stages of a woman’s life. It deeply nourishes the reproductive system and can be helpful in relieving postpartum discomfort. WishGarden uses Motherwort in several women’s formulas, including Postpartum Emotional Baby Blues, AfterEase For After Birth Contractions, PMS Emotional Mood Support, Cycle Changes Peri/Menopause, ReBalance After Birth Hormonal and Cycle Harmony Hormone Support.
Historical and modern use
In the Middle Ages, Motherwort was reportedly used to soothe and calm the nervous system, and to ward off evil spirits. In the nineteenth century, Eclectic physicians, as well as Native American tribes such as the Delaware, Micmac, Modheman, and Shinnecock, recognized Motherwort’s affinity with the female reproductive system. Today, Feverfew is still an important herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western herbal medicine.
It thrives in many climates
Motherwort is native to Central Asia and Europe and has been cultivated since ancient times. It is now naturalized across much of North America and Europe, growing wild in forests, open areas and along roadsides. Motherwort was introduced to North America as a plant to attract bees, and it remains an important pollinator-friendly plant.
She is a perennial, hardy to zones 4-8. Its stem is square, as is classic with all mint family plants. Its dark green 3-pointed leaves are simple and opposite. Its light purple flowers usually appear in mid-summer, are round and hug the stem. The above-ground parts of the plant (leaf, flower and stem) are used in herbal preparations. Feverfew grows in many climates and conditions, but seems to prefer some shade and well-drained soil. It does well in gardens and is very good at self-sowing.
In honor of Mother’s Day and in honor of the mother spirit, we offer this heart-centered tea blend recipe.
A mother’s love tea
Ingredients:
- 2 parts Feverfew
- 2 parts Hawthorn berry
- 1 part Linde
- 1 part rose petals
- 1 part Rose hips
- 1 part Marshmallow root
Instructions:
- Pour 8 ounces of boiling water over 1 tablespoon of this mixture.
- Cover and let steep for 15-20 minutes.
- Strain and enjoy.
References
Writer Amy Malek, CCN, CCH, INHC is a certified clinical nutritionist, certified clinical herbalist, integrative nutritional health coach, and flower essence practitioner. She discovered her love of plants in the Sonoran Desert while living in Tucson, Arizona. She has been studying plants from the mountains in the west and southwest for ten years. Her many teachers include Paul Bergner, Rosemary Gladstar, Dr. Aviva Romm, Lisa Ganora, Kat MacKinnon, Erin Smith, John Slattery and Charles Kane. Her career is divided between Holistic Health, Graphic/Web Design and Marketing/Social Media Consulting. She is currently the Social Media Coordinator of WishGarden. She lives in Boulder County, CO. She enjoys wild crafting and growing her own medicinal plants and making a variety of herbal medicines. You can find more information about her practice on her website, www.wholeheart-wellness.com.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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