Motherwort extract comes from the herb Leonurus cardiaca. It is standardized for active compounds, especially leonurine. People use it to calm the nerves, steady the heartbeat, and ease tension linked to hormonal shifts.
Common uses include mild anxiety, heart palpitations, and menstrual cramps. Capsules and liquid extracts are the usual forms. Follow the label for whether to take it with food.
Cautions matter here. Motherwort can drop blood pressure and slow heart rate, so anyone on cardiovascular drugs should be careful. It triggers uterine contractions and is off-limits during pregnancy. Sedatives and blood thinners may also clash with it.