Motherwort

overall appearance

Motherwort is a tall perennial herb growing 3-5 feet tall with an upright, branching growth habit and distinctive palmate leaves.

roots

Fibrous root system with short rhizomes that form clumps rather than spreading aggressively.

stem

Square stems characteristic of mint family, erect and sturdy, often purplish and covered with fine hairs.

leaves

Distinctive palmately lobed leaves become increasingly divided toward the top of the plant. Lower leaves are larger (2-4 inches) and less divided.

flowers

Small pink to white tubular flowers are arranged in dense whorls around the stem at leaf nodes. Flowers have spiny calyces.

fruits/seeds

Small, brown nutlets (typically 4 per flower) are three-angled and topped with spiny sepals.

1-2 tsp dried herb per cup water, steep 10-15 minutes

1:5 ratio in 40% alcohol, 2-4 ml three times daily

Traditional preparation from fresh flowering tops

For stronger bitter effects, simmer briefly

Powdered herb in standardized preparations