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.