"When I get stressed out my heart skips a beat or races. Is this from my hormones? Is this because of menopause? Is there an herb for that?"
~Jen H. Scottsdale, Arizona
Motherwort was at least properly named to help point moms in the right direction for their stress. While I am not an MD Cardiologist, I have done quite a bit of both prescription and Naturopathic Cardiology in my twenty five years of experience, treat a lot of women for Integrated Cardiology conditions, and want to take the time to explain the type of female patient that will benefit the most from this #1 fave Cardiology herb.
Leonarus Cardiaca or “Motherwort” is one of my favorite gentle herbs to calm fried and frazzled mothers. There is no coincidence in my mind that “motherwort” rhymes with “worrywart”.
This herb may as well have been hand-designed for worried stressed mothers. For women with High Blood Pressure, Paliptations, and chronic anxiety from little children constantly screaming "MOM!" and burning out their mom's adrenal glands.
Motherwort is typically a “nervine” or anxiety herb that is recommended for those with the kind of anxiety that results in occasional heart palpitations. If you are suffering from disturbed sleep as a result of emotional or physical stress this herb might just be right for you.
Motherwort serves to strengthen the heart, and is also used in Naturopathic Medicine for PMS and menopause. This herbal medicine can additionally be used as a preventative agent for herpes zoster (shingles and chicken pox) as well as herpes simplex (traditional “herpes”).
This herb should NOT be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Always talk with your Naturopathic Doctor before starting any new herbal medicines.
Perhaps life does not grant you the relaxation time that you deserve as a mother, but you can still find a bit of calm amidst the storm by using an herbal medicine such as Motherwort to help reduce stress and your reaction to it.
Happy Mother's Day!
If you wish to treat yourself to a Naturopathic visit simple pop over to my SCHEDULE page. I would be happy to help!
Dr. Nicole Sundene
(480) 837-0900
Dr. Sundene is a Naturopathic Doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is a Female Hormone Expert in Women's Health and Bioidentical Hormones. She specializes in Holistic Women's Health for Menopause, Thyroid, Hashimotos, PMS, Perimenopause, Autoimmune, Postpartum, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety, Food Allergies, Digestion, Dermatology, Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema, and Adrenal Hormonal Conditions. In 1999 she began working for a Hormone Doctor prior to starting Naturopathic Medical School. With over 23 years of experience in both Prescription and Natural women's health and hormones, she presents to women the best-integrated health solutions for their Chronic Disease.
She has been an Herbalist for over 28 years and enjoys teaching women how to use herbs to balance their hormones, nutrition and optimize their health. Dr. Sundene relies on blood testing for her hormone metrics. The hormone testing is covered per the patient's insurance plan (not Medicaid) and conducted at certain points in the woman's menstrual cycle. To learn more about Hormone Testing for Women Visit: Bioidentical Hormones. Follow Dr. Sundene on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for more tips on Women's Health, Female Hormones, and Naturopathy!
