What’s in a name? Motherwort is known as the mother’s herb. The botanical name translates loosely to Lion-Hearted. Leon (Lion) oura (tail) Cardiaca= of the heart. And who, I ask, is more lion-hearted than the mother? A hardy herbaceous perennial belonging to the Lamiaceae (mint) family, Motherwort is native to Europe but naturalised over much of the world and is now considered invasive in some areas. It will grow readily along roadsides, in rubbish dumps, and other disturbed and neglected places. Motherwort seeds require stratification on a fine sandpaper, and once started is easy to grow, requiring little attention and preferring a sunny, partly shady spot in fertile, well-drained soil. Motherwort reaches heights of about a metre and produces spikes of mauvy-white flowers along slightly hairy signature mint family square stems. Commonly used in herbal medicine as a tonic for the heart, containing the phytochemical leonurine, which may relax smooth muscle and gently dilate the blood vessels. Traditionally used to slow a racing heart and mind and said to help promote joyfulness and ease worry. The aerial (above-ground) parts are used. Not suitable for those taking heart or thyroid medications without clearance from their healthcare provider. Sow in spring.

Seed count: 1200/g.