Motherwort Flower Essence

Motherwort is a robust herb that grows happily in a pot large or small, watered more or less, and in almost any soil. Its juicy-green-colored leaves and pink flowers point to motherwort's primary influence on the liver and heart (fourth chakra; these are confirmed by herbalists using motherwort tincture or infusions as a cardiac tonic), but herbal lore suggests that motherwort also helps in a wide range of health concerns of urogenital nature in women (second chakra), especially delayed menstruation and menstrual cramps. Motherwort is also known under the names Lion's Tail and Lion's Ear, which would confirm the theory that the flower essence enhances the lion within and hence boosts one's confidence, assertiveness, and courage.

Indications

On the emotional level: feeling small, insignificant, or easily swayed; difficulty confronting others, saying no, or standing up for oneself; a tendency toward hiding, escaping, and drawing energy inward while wanting to be more extroverted, bigger, more visible, or more active in society or one's community. On the physical plane: premenstrual tension, tension headaches, menstrual cramps, PMS irritability or anger outbursts, extreme moods during menopause.

Emotional and spiritual effects

Motherwort is particularly beneficial for people who would like to be more assertive. It provides support in standing tall and sticking up for oneself, and learning to say "no" with ease. It is for people who need help asserting themselves without getting pulled into feelings of self-reproach or guilt. It is also an essence to help one release oneself from unhealthy, unwanted emotional co-dependence. It helps one achieve a feeling of being whole and complete when appearing in public unassisted by a partner or friend. 

Motherwort flower essence combines well with sunflower essence (for self-assuredness), borage (for courage facing difficult situations and to alleviate broodiness and moodiness with a tendency toward sadness), black locust flower essence (for mercurial personalities and changeable moods), and echinacea (for a sense of strength and stability coming from the gut and to enhance confidence in intellectual expression, such as in business or an academic career).

Physical plane

Motherwort has a long history of use in herbalism for women's health concerns, especially premenstrual syndrome, menstrual pain, and menopause, but also as a nervine and pain reducer. It breaks up congestion, releasing a healthy energy flow.

For physical health predicaments, Ava recommends taking motherwort flower essence alongside woolly mullein essence for spine health, good posture, and issues that stem from spinal injuries or deformities. It is an excellent combination for the periods of fast physical growth in teenagers. Take motherwort flower essence during PMS times for symptoms such anger, lashing out, and uncontrollable temper. Motherwort is also used by herbalists for menopause discomforts, especially in regards to the woman's mood.

Sources

Influenced by David Dalton of Delta Gardens, Alma R. Hutchens' Indian Herbalogy of North America, Matthew Wood's The Earthwise Herbal, Volume I, and Michael Moore's Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West.

Directions

Shake the bottle before each use. Take 3 drops at a time onto the tongue or mixed with water 3–4 times a day, between meals and not with coffee.

Store away from sun exposure, excessive heat or cold, electronics, and strong scents. 

Ingredients

Water, gluten-free brandy (from grapes; a preservative), infusion of organically grown motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca). Alcohol 22% by volume.

Cautions

Keep out of reach of children. Consult your health care practitioner before using if pregnant or nursing.