Botanical Name: Leonurus cardiaca.

Energetics:  Cooling, neutral

Major Properties:  Relaxing nervine, cardiovascular tonic, digestive bitter, uterine tonic

Examples of Uses: Heart palpitations, PMS and painful cramping, hyperthyroidism with heart symptoms (with Lycopus and Melissa), stress and anxiety, "for when you need a bit of the mother" whether it be physical or emotional.

Parts Used: Aerial parts, debate as to which stage, so I typically gather at all stages

Preparations:

Tincture

Personal Observations:

It is a go to for trying when women ask for something to help with PMS / cyclical anxiety and worry. Good for all things heart related, including high blood pressure, a broken heart, being sick at heart, heart palpitations, as I said, all things heart related. Also good for bonding during an adoption or after a birth, for both the parent and the child. Occasionally works, in formulas, for insomnia.

It is very bitter and could be added into a bitter blend to be taken before eating, especially if one also has issues of the heart and/or problem with anxiety or stress.

This brief overview merely highlights my observations.  There is, of course, a great deal of information that you can find on the Internet or in books.  Or better yet - get together with other herbalists and share your experiences!

Please add your own experiences so that together we can create a more comprehensive overview.

As always, if you have a chronic ailment that is not resolving itself or an acute issue, seek the attention of your physician.