Motherwort (Yimucao)
Pharmaceutical Name: Herba Leonuri
Botanical Name: Leonurus heterophyllus Sweet
Common Name: Motherwort
Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing
Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The entire plant is gathered in May or June, when it is flowering. It is then dried in the sun.
Properties & Taste: Pungent, bitter and slightly cold.
Meridians: Heart, liver and urinary bladder.
Functions: 1. To invigorate blood and move stagnation; 2. To promote urination and reduce edema
Indications & Combinations:
1. Blood stagnation manifested as irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain and swelling and pain due to external injuries. Motherwort (Yimucao) is used with Chinese angelica root (Danggui), Chuanxiong
rhizome (Chuanxiong) and Red peony (Chishao). Motherwort (Yimucao) may also be used alone.
2. Dysuria or edema. Motherwort (Yimucao) is used with fresh Imperata rhizome (Baimaogen).
Dosage: 10-15 g.