Motherwort (leonurus cardiaca, lion's ear, lion's tail, throw wort): Dosing and Uses

Suggested dosing of Leonurus cardiaca, lion's ear (motherwort)

Crushed herb: 4.5 g PO q30-60min (acute conditions); TID (chronic)

Other preparations: see mfr's directions

Suggested uses of Leonurus cardiaca, lion's ear (motherwort)

Arrhythmia, low cardiac output, delayed menstruation, metrorrhagia

Efficacy: Insufficient reliable evidence, may improve menstrual flow, has relaxing effect on heart

Leonurus cardiaca, lion's ear (motherwort) adverse (side) effects

Frequency not defined

Diarrhea

Drowsiness

Stomach problems

Warnings

Contraindications

Pregnancy, thyroid conditions

Cautions

Breastfeeding

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy category: avoid

Lactation: use caution

Pregnancy categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

Pharmacology of Leonurus cardiaca, lion's ear (motherwort)

Metabolism: N/A

Excretion: N/A

Mechanism of action

Emmenagogue: contains chemicals that have effects on uterus, which may result in improved menstrual flow

Cardiac: contains chemicals that have vasorelaxing & cardiotonic effects (digoxin-like)