Motherwort, Chinese

Syn Leonurus heterophyllus, Yi Mu Cao. This is the motherwort commonly used in Chinese medicine. It is among the 50 fundamental herbs of TCM and is found growing throughout China and other parts of Asia. The aerial parts of the plant are used as a diuretic, for stimulating blood circulation, regulating menstruation, and lowering blood pressure. The seeds are used as an aphrodesiac and as a remedy for conjunctivitis and night blindness. A tea of the leaves used as a wash has been reported to ease itching and pain from shingles. Not intended for use by pregnant women. This variety of Motherwort is smaller, reaching 3 to 4 feet with very showy reddish/purple blooms. Easy to grow and widely adaptable to many different soil types. Full sun to partial shade. Biennial or self seeding annual. Hardy to zones 3-7.