Chinese Motherwort (Yi Mu Cao)

益毋草

Motherwort (Yimucao)

Pharmaceutical Name: Herba Leonuri

Botanical Name: Leonurus heterophyllus Sweet

Common Name: Motherwort

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used: The entire plant is gathered in May or June, when it is flowering. It is then dried in the sun.

Natural Properties & Taste: Pungent, bitter and slightly cold

Meridians: Heart, liver and urinary bladder

Therapeutic Effects:
1. To invigorate blood and move stagnation.

2. To promote urination and reduce edema.

Indications:
1. Blood stagnation manifested as irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain and swelling and pain due to external injuries. Motherwort (Yimucao) is used with Chinese angelica root (Danggui), Chuanxiong rhizome (Chuanxiong) and Red peony (Chishao). Motherwort (Yimucao) may also be used alone.

2. Dysuria or edema. Motherwort (Yimucao) is used with fresh Imperata rhizome (Baimaogen).

Dosage: 10-15 g