Whorls of hairy pale pink or white flowers appear in leaf axils from summer to autumn. The flowering upper stems are gathered and cut before drying. The flower bracts are very prickly when dried. Extracts of the plant are sedative, reduce muscle spasms, regulate blood pressure and rapid heartbeat, and tone the heart. Tests show that it treats heart disease effectively by reducing cholesterol levels.
Motherwort contracts the uterus after birth and helps calm anxious new mothers.
It also treats menstrual irregularities and the symptoms of menopause. Motherwort relaxes heart cells, which lends support to its ancient use in calming palpitations. Other studies show it hleps prevent internal blood clots that trigger heart attacks. Russian researchers suggest Motherwort contains chemicals that reduce blood pressure. Consult your doctor if you wish to try Motherwort for heart conditions.