Yi Mu Cao

Leonurus cardiaca

Family: Lamiaceae Genus: Leonurus Species: cardiaca Pinyin: Yi Mu Cao

Synonyms: Leonurus neglectus, Leonurus trilobatus, Leonurus cardiaca var. rotundifolia, Leonurus crispus, Leonurus cardiaca var. hirtella, Leonurus aconitifolius, Leonurus illyricus, Cardiaca stachys, Cardiaca trilobata, Leonurus cardiaca var. capitatus, Cardiaca vulgaris, Leonurus cardiaca var. intermedius, Leonurus cardiaca var. adscendens, Leonurus cardiaca subsp. intermedius, Leonurus glabra, Cardiaca glabra, Cardiaca crispa, Leonurus discolor, Leonurus lacerus, Stachys triloba, Leonurus ruderalis

MotherwortEuropean MotherwortLion EarThrowwortYi Mu Cao益母草
Yi Mu Cao

☯ TCM Properties

Category: regulating_blood
Temperature: cold
Taste: pungent, bitter
Meridians: heart, liver, bladder, kidney, pericardium
Functions:

Invigorates the Blood, dispels Stasis, regulates menstruation and reduces masses; Promotes urination and reduces swelling and edema; Clears Heat and resolves toxicity

Western Herbalism Properties

Actions:
nervineantispasmodicanti-inflammatorytoniccarminative

Botanical Description

Leonurus cardiaca is a perennial herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae), growing 60-120 cm tall. Stems are square, hollow, erect, and branched, with long spreading hairs. Leaves are opposite, palmately 3-5 lobed, deeply toothed, dark green above and pale beneath. The small, two-lipped, pale pink to white flowers are borne in dense whorls in the leaf axils on the upper stems. The calyx has 5 sharp, spiny teeth. Seeds are small, dark brown, and angular. The plant has a bitter taste and unpleasant odor.

Habitat:

Roadsides, waste places, woodland edges, and disturbed habitats; native to Central Asia and southeastern Europe, widely naturalized throughout Europe and North America.

Native Region: Albania, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Central European Rus, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, East European Russia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Italy, Krym, Netherlands, North European Russi, Northwest European R, Norway, Poland, Romania, South European Russi, Sweden, Switzerland, Transcaucasus, Turkey, Turkey-in-Europe, Ukraine, West Siberia, Yugoslavia
Conservation Notes:

Leonurus cardiaca is a widespread and adaptable plant that has naturalized across much of the temperate world. It is considered a weed in many areas. No conservation concerns.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.

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