Taking the tincture
The alcohol-based tincture is more potent and concentrated, as I used a high percentage of alcohol to pull as much of the spirit of the herb as possible. That said, it's to be dropped into and diluted in a glass of water. I generally pour a small glass, drop in the motherwort, and drink that cup in one sitting.
The suggested amount/use depends on your body and what you are using it for, but generally, you can start with less and then increase as/if you feel. A general recommended dosage is adding 1 full squeeze of the dropper into 2 oz. of water or juice, 2 to 4 times per day. Best taken between meals. You can do that Or you can choose to take more on an as-needed basis, perhaps only at night to help you fall asleep or when needing to ease menstrual cramps.
Want to learn more about Motherwort & her Benefits?
Motherwort stimulates the liver and digestive system by releasing secretions that improve digestion. If you’re having difficultly digesting, you may explore taking a few drops of tincture before your meals. She also helps with poor appetite related to stress and anxiety. As a nervine sedative, she works directly with our parasympathetic, “rest and digest,” nervous system. She has a downward directional force, which helps in releasing, be it bowel movements, menstrual flow, and even labor. Energetically, her downward focus can be grounding and anchoring. She helps direct wind/tension by drawing it down rather than leaving it scattered in the body. She also works with heat/excitation by cooling the internal body and slowing things down. Being a member of the mint family, she is cooling and helpful to ease agitation. Being a mild sedative she is great for relieving anxiety and getting rid of insomnia.
She has a strong affinity for the heart and its connection to the cardiovascular system. Her vasodilation effect helps distribute blood equally throughout our vasculature. She helps open up chest tightness, reduces heart palpitations, and relieves hypothyroid. She tonifies the heart, healthily pumps blood, and relaxes tension in the “bronchial tree”. She improves circulation and assists in lowering blood pressure. Metaphorically she holds the emotional heart and tangibly strengthens the physical heart.
Hints the name, Motherwort is very connected with femininity and its cyclic nature. It’s connected to the planet Venus, which is beyond me to explain how but is, nonetheless, another association with feminine, fluid energy. Some herbalists say she can aid in healing emotional “mother issues.” Perhaps this stems from the essence the her “mothering” energy or perhaps it’s from her assistance in creating balance in the feminine and mothering aspects within each individual. In any case, Motherwort gives special attention to the uterus and can help us embrace our cycles. Menstruating women with a steady cycle may want to monitor the use of motherwort at times as it could potentially bring your period on sooner than expected. However, if you suffer from panic attacks, the relaxing nervine properties will likely be worth the potential early onset. While bleeding, she can ease the painful process of PMS and cramps. Women who suffer from Dysmenorrhea (aka painful menstruation) can benefit greatly from the way Motherwort stimulates flow in the pelvis area, while simultaneously calming the system. She helps in menopause too! Active compounds in motherwort help the body to break down and process hormones (especially in the liver), which in turn can help to balance menopause symptoms. She can help reduce the severity of hot flashes and emotionally she can help with the transition into cronehood.
Overall, Motherwort helps soothe nerves and relieve feelings of stress & overwhelm. She can be especially helpful for treating anxiety that is accompanied by heart palpitations or hypertension. She reduces inflammation and eases hypothyroid conditions. She touches our hearts and reminds us to trust ourselves and our internal compass. I truly hope Motherwort nourishes and opens your heart. I hope she helps anchor your anxious energies and move stagnation through your precious, hard-working blood. She has guided me to share my growing love for plant medicine with you, and I am honored.
