Leonurus, Motherwort, Yi Mu Cao 益母草 Also called Cardiaca, MatricariaYi Mu Cao (TCM) Herbarius latinus, Petri, 1485 Kurtzes Handtbuchlein, Ryff, 1599 L. cardiacaOeder et al., Flora Danica, 1756 (1761-1883) Botanical name: Leonurus cardiaca (syn. L. crispus, L. campestris, L. glabra, L. discolor)In TCM L. heterophyllus (syn. L. artermisia), L. sibiricus, L. macrathus and L. turkestanicus (in Xinjiang) are used. Parts used: Herb Temperature & Taste: Cool, dry (regarded as Warm in the West); Pungent, Bitter. Classifications: 3D. CORDIALS & CARDIACS.  3G. EMMENAGOGUE4c. CARDIAC.  4i. UTERINEK. Move the Blood Uses: 1. Moves the Blood, Resolves Stasis, Promotes Menstruation (TCM, West): -chiefly for cold and windy diseases of the Womb-irregular Menstruation, Menstrual cramping and pain, heavy menstruation with clotting-PMS, irritability associated with Menstruation; Menopausal symptoms-Infertility, especially associated with Blood stasis or Damp-‘want of Venery’.-traditionally used to promote easier Childbirth; difficult or prolonged Labor-Retained Lochia, Postpartum abdominal Pain, Postpartum Bleeding-fixed abdominal masses and tumors-Traumatic pain, Bruising, Hematoma 2. Moves the Blood, Calms the Mind and Nerves, Benefits the Heart (West) –‘infirmities of the Heart’. (Gerard)-‘there is no better herb to take Melancholy vapours from the Heart … and makes a merry, cheerful Soul … of much use in trembling of the Heart’. (Culpeper)–Oppression…

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