Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe and Asia, for supporting various aspects of women’s reproductive health, including the management of dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). The herb has been traditionally used to help regulate menstrual cycles, relieve menstrual cramps, and ease symptoms associated with menstruation. The traditional use is mainly based on its reputed antispasmodic and mild sedative effects, which are thought to help relax uterine muscles and reduce the severity of menstrual pain.

Despite its broad traditional application, scientific evidence supporting the use of motherwort for dysmenorrhea is limited. Few clinical studies have specifically evaluated motherwort’s effectiveness for menstrual pain. Some preclinical research and historical texts suggest that constituents such as leonurine and stachydrine may have a relaxing effect on smooth muscle tissue, which could theoretically contribute to reduced uterine cramping. However, these findings are not robustly confirmed in human clinical trials.

In summary, motherwort is primarily justified for dysmenorrhea by tradition rather than by rigorous scientific validation. While anecdotal and historical reports are plentiful, the current evidence base consists mainly of traditional usage and small-scale studies, meriting a modest evidence rating.

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