View photos of the medicinal plant Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort), profiled in Herbal Medicine: Trends and Traditions.

Leonurus’ potency can be difficult to define; it’s not the sort of herb that overpowers or causes trouble if too much is taken, yet it has a number of indications that are unique just to it, and when properly matched, can make the recipient think is pharmaceutical-like in strength. Like Collinsonia, Marrubium, and Stachys, it has very little fragrance, which makes it even more intriguing – generally speaking, Lamiaceae members that don’t have much of a smell are an entirely unexplored –or forgotten– medicinal plant sub-group.

Use it alone for mild insomnia and even anxiety induced heart palpitations/tachycardia. It’s more effective for folks whom have mild symptoms of hyperthyroidism, yet lab work checks out OK, rather than a straight forward stress-case. If sleep is troubled, weight is difficult to gain, and the heart races easily (and for the ladies – painful periodicals are the norm) try it.