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Motherwort and bugleweed.

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Leonurus cardiaca will calm both you and your thyroid.

It's in the mint family (Lamiaceae), and I've used it for the hot flashes, palpitations, and night sweats of menopause.

I've also told new mothers to take it, as it'll calm their temper. Without it you'll see explosions more often than not, as older kids and spouse want attention too, and mom has more than enough on her hands already. A nice addition might be chamomile tea for kids + spouse: chamomile cures the need for attention.

Motherwort works by curbing a temporarily overactive thyroid. It'll work nicely in the palpitations of stress as well, so lads can use it as well as younger and older ladies.

I use the flowering tops, in tea or tincture.
Tincture dose, 1:5 50 % dried herb, is 30-60 drops morning and evening.
Tea dose, 1 teaspoon to 2 dl boiling water, one cup morning and evening.

Other species of Leonurus work, too, as do gypsywort (Lycopus europaeus) and other bugleweeds (Lycopus virginicus, Lycopus americanus).

Dunno, what is the difference between Leonurus and Lycopus?

Comments

Motherwort is also great just after childbirth to help with the "afterpains" while the uterus tightens down to it's pre-pregnant size. I also agree that it helps with the moods of new motherhood. I found it to ease the emotional transition and prevent postpartum depression.

Thanks for that, Gillian!

Previously you mentioned that: "Other species of Leonurus work, too, as do gypsywort (Lycopus europaeus) and other bugleweeds (Lycopus virginicus, Lycopus americanus)". Can you please comment on the interchangability of Lycopus virginicus and L. americanus. Do they have the same mode of action on the thyroid? Thankyou!

I think they work the same.