Motherwort
Leonorus cardiaca
Synonyms:
Lion's Tail
Family:
Lamiaceae, Mint Family
Where to find this herb:
Roadsides, disturbed areas. Origin: Asia
Part(s) used:
herb, flowers
Special constituents:
Iridoids, diterpenes of the labdane type and flavonoids (rutin, quinqueloside, genkwanin, quercetin, hyperoside, and apigenin and kaempferol glucosides)
Correspondance:
Venus/Leo (Beyerl, Culpeper)
Uses:
Cardiac tonic, sedative, nervine, antispasmodic, emmenogogue
Hartgespan 
Hjertespand Motherwort was imported to Europe from Asia in the early Middle Ages or even before. The monks took it to their monasteries all over Europe, and the herb spread itself out in Nature. It prefers the same soil as Nettle (nitrogen- and humus-rich) , but Nettle is much more invasive and will overgrow Motherwort, so the latter is not very common. You can grow it easily from seed; it is a hardy perennial. The foliage has a nice, dark colour. It mixes well with a lot of garden plants. If you harvest the plant for own use, remember it is most potent right after flowering.
Motherwort has been used for centuries as a cardiac tonic, as the name, cardiaca, suggests. The Dutch and Danish names also contains the word for "heart". Recent studies show that Motherwort extracts have antiplatelet aggregation actions and decrease the levels of blood lipids - thus suggesting that the old traditional use of the herb is scientifically valid. You have to take Motherwort regularly to reduce your cholesterol levels - and as the herb is very bitter, don't try to drink several cups of Motherwort tea a day! Rather, blend Motherwort with other (less bitter) herbs, or take it in capsule form.
Motherwort has also been used for heart conditions associated with anxiety. It can help panic attacks.
It was believed that Motherwort acts on the liver and eyes, brightening them. A weak decoction of seeds can be used in conjunctivitis and tired eyes. Other uses of the herb are related to women and childbirth, thus the name "Motherwort": It has a long tradition of being used to calm anxious mothers before childbirth - it is now not recommended for pregnant women. However, after childbirth, an infusion taken will help restore the uterus and reduce the risk of post-partum bleeding. It also stimulates suppressed or delayed menstruation. It is supposedly good for PMS and can help hot flushes. An infusion of Motherwort can be used as a douche for vaginal infection.
Motherwort has been almost entirely overlooked by magicians and witches - however, a revival of Motherwort as a magical herb may be on its way! Beyerl recommends it as a herb of protection and countermagic. Also, he writes: "It brings an attitude that all will succeed, and allows for the growth of inner trust, knowing that all will work towards a good and positive conclusion".