Motherwort is a wild medicinal herb that does not require special conditions for growth. It can be found in abandoned fields, wastelands, or near settlements. On the contrary, it is very bitter, and its smell usually is not the most pleasant. The flowering period of most motherwort species is considered to be 3 summer months, and, with rare exceptions, the first half of September. As a rule, thickets of this grass are found in wet places, on gravel and limestone soil.

In this article, we will tell you about the healing properties of one of the most useful species of motherwort for humans - Siberian. (Leonurus sibiricus)

How is motherwort useful for humans?

In terms of chemical composition, motherwort is a combination of essential oils, alkaloids, glycosides, iridoids, flavonoids, terpenoids, caffeic, citric and malic acids, tannins, choline, and vitamin A.

Research by Chinese scientists has shown that beneficial chemicals commonly found in motherwort reach their maximum concentration during the flowering period. By the way, in Ancient China, motherwort enjoyed the fame of a plant of centenarians.

In Ancient Greece, motherwort infusions were given to pregnant women to facilitate the process of childbirth and calm the nerves after the birth of the baby. By the way, the Greeks called this plant "mother's grass". In addition, the ancient Greeks used motherwort to strengthen the heart. And in medieval Europe, this herb was known as an effective medicine for cattle.

Today motherwort is considered useful for the treatment of mild forms of Graves' disease. It has antioxidant and immunostimulating properties that have a positive effect on the central nervous system. It is known that the juice of this herb accelerates the elimination of toxins from the body, and also improves the functioning of the kidneys, liver, gall, and bladder.

Why is the Siberian motherwort considered the most useful of all?

One of the most unique species of motherwort - Siberian grows in Western Siberia (Altai), in Eastern Siberia (Dauria), in the Far East (Amur region), in China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. It can be found in the wild in the coastal regions of Brazil, on the islands of the Philippine archipelago (Batan, Mindanao, northern part of Luzon Island), as well as in Mexico City (Chiapas state).

Due to its unique composition (alkaloids, steroids, oleic, linoleic, and lauric acids, leonurin, cardenolide, stachyose carbohydrate, diterpenoids, flavonoids, as well as nitrogen-containing compounds necessary for the normal functioning of the human body), the Siberian motherwort has a reputation as one of the most effective "herbs for the heart" (in some works, scientists also call it "heartwort").

Its extract is useful in the treatment of chronic cardiovascular disease in the elderly. Also, this species of motherwort has a sedative effect, reduces muscle spasms, and lowers blood pressure.

Studies have shown that Siberian herb extract slows down blood clotting, prevents thrombosis, reduces the amount of fat in the blood, and also soothes an overly fast heartbeat.

Herbalists use this unique herb to treat rheumatism, bronchitis, and asthma. The Siberian Motherwort herb extract helps with an overactive thyroid gland, but at the same time is completely safe for healthy people, since it does not in any way affect the healthy secretion of thyroid hormones.