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Motherwort

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is known to relax the heart, calm palpitations and regulate blood pressure by relaxing coronary arteries. It is a mild sedative and acts as a tonic for the nervous system, lowering anxiety and stress, and reducing the negative effects of these conditions on the entire system. It is also known to relieve adrenal over-stimulation and reduce overactive thyroid. Motherwort is believed to strengthen the nervous system, and is asserted to be a tonic for the whole body; it seems to help those who are prone to headaches and helps relieve menstrual discomfort. Chemical constituents in the aerial part of the plant, which is used therapeutically, include alkaloids (L-stachydrine, leonurine), diterpenoids (leocardin), bitter glycosides, triterpenes (ursolic acid), iridoid glucoside, flavonoids, caffeic acid and tannins. Motherwort herb is particularly useful at menopause to prevent tachycardia or to inhibit cardiac palpitations and stabilize blood vessel sensitivity to fluctuation estrogen levels as well as protecting against coronary heart disease.

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