Mother Wort (Leonurus cardiaca.) (1 oz bottle)
For centuries, motherwort has been used as a medicinal plant to treat heart diseases. The herb has diuretic properties and may inhibit artery calcification formation. It is also used as a remedy for milder forms of Graves' disease (an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid) and for hypertension. Afflictions of the heart and nervous system find rest with motherwort. History tells us that it is considered to be a cardio tonic as well as nervine tonic. Due to the presence of the chemical alkaloid leonurine, a mild vasodilator, motherwort acts as an anti-spasmodic to relax smooth muscles, one of those muscles being the heart. Chinese studies have also found motherwort to decrease clotting and the level of fat in the blood. That it can, in its calming nature, slow heart palpitations and rapid heartbeat. Motherwort has a mildly diuretic affect, also aiding high blood pressure. But it is important to note that while motherwort can be helpful in instances of high blood pressure, it is most appropriately effective when high blood pressure is a symptom of excess stress and anxiety. The effects this plant has on the nervous system are profound. There is nothing subtle in the way that it works. As motherwort “gladdens the heart,” it relaxes the nervous system resulting in an elevated mood, relief of nervous debility and spasm. Higher doses of tincture can act as a sedative to improve sleep, while smaller doses during the day can give
energy by balancing and backing off the typically anxious nature of the user. (Redroot Mountain)
 
What is a Tincture:
A tincture is the name given to the result of steeping a herb in alcohol or an alternative medium, like glycerin or vinegar, to extract the plants active constituents. Plant tinctures adopt the flavor and sometimes the scent of the herb, and usually change color. Tinctures are quick and convenient, they are easy to store, easy to travel with and easy to ingest.  A few drops of a tincture in a glass of water or tea, or just on the tongue, takes only a second, making them easy to ensure compliance. Tinctures are potent and are easily assimilated by the body offering a stronger concentration of medicinal properties than dried herbs. They are also long lasting, with a much longer shelf life than fresh or dried herbs. Dried herbs need to be used within a year of drying them, some within 8 months, to ensure they are fresh and potent.  Tinctures, on the other hand, when properly prepared, can last for 2-3 years or longer.  They are an excellent way of preserving the medicinal properties and health benefits of dried and fresh herbs. Some herbs are very bitter or bad-tasting.  Herbs such as horehound, feverfew, and blessed thistle just to name a few, are very bitter, and many find them unpleasant to drink as a tea. Tinctures can be diluted in water, tea or juice to allay the bad taste, giving you the benefit of the medicinal value without the acridity.
 
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.