Botanical Overview
Latin name: Leonurus japonicus
Family: Lamiaceae
Parts used: Aerial parts, herb
Common names: Chinese motherwort, Oriental motherwort
Energetics
The plant is considered energetically neutral in temperature with moistening properties. It has a bitter and acrid taste with ascending and descending directional qualities. It is tonifying and primarily influences the flow of qi and blood.
Primary Actions
- Uterotonic
- Hemostatic
- Diuretic
- Tonic
Indications
Western
- Menstrual irregularities
- Amenorrhea
- Dysmenorrhea
- Uterine bleeding
- Edema
Syndromes
- Menstrual disorders
- Uterine bleeding
- Chronic pelvic inflammation
- Hypertension
TCM
- Amenorrhea
- Dysmenorrhea
- Postpartum hemorrhage
- Lower abdominal pain
- Edema
Syndromes
- Blood stasis
- Qi stagnation
- Uterine bleeding
- Restless fetus
Ayurveda
Not well documented
Unani
Not well documented
Constituents & Mechanisms
Contains alkaloids, flavonoids, iridoids, diterpenes, and phenolic acids which contribute to its uterotonic, hemostatic, and diuretic effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction 6-12 g daily
- Tincture 1:5 40% ethanol 2-4 mL 2-3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally safe with traditional use but contraindicated during pregnancy due to its uterotonic effects which may induce miscarriage. Caution advised with bleeding disorders or anticoagulant medications. May cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.
Astrological Correspondences
No well-documented planetary or elemental rulers available in authoritative sources.
Selected References
- Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica by Dan Bensky et al.
- Pharmacological activities and phytochemistry of Leonurus japonicus: a review, Xiong et al., 2018
- Plants For A Future Database: Leonurus japonicus
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Volume 2 (2002)