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Mother’s Day in the Garden

“The sweetest sounds to mortals given
Are heard in Mother, Home, and Heaven.”
William Goldsmith Brown

An early blooming of Motherwort – the lion-hearted mother’s herb

Botanical name: Leonurus cardiaca

Calming and cooling the excess energy in our bodies

In late Fall a couple of years ago, I started some motherwort from seed and by Spring of the following year, strong plants were ready for transplanting. I gave some away and planted a small number in my designated “let’s watch this new plant and learn” garden bed.

In reading the myth, lore and legend of motherwort from the stories of @susunsweed, Maude Grieves, and Greek/Chinese herbalism, I knew I had to have at least one in the garden. And, true to its reputation, it didn’t take a year before maidenwort found the plant and nestled near her. The maiden and mother had found each other. ?‍?

After a yearly cycle of watching this beloved plant of the bumble and honey bees, I felt more confident in harvesting and applying the plant’s strengths and constituents to recipes. Being both a cooling tonic and a pain reliever, she is known for healing the heart, calming anxiety issues and relieving premenstrual, childbirth and menopausal turmoils. Much of this healing is due to the constituent, alkaloid leonurine, a mild vasodilator, which acts as an anti-spasmodic to relax smooth muscles.

I am not surprised at its uses and applications. Its Latin name signals a heart relationship. Its common name beckons to matters of a maturing woman. Its flowering stalk reminds us of the spine and the nervous system relaying through our bodies. She is unassuming and quiet yet anchoring and strong in the garden. And, as with any good mother, she provides the guidance to calm in times of transition albeit from maiden to new mother, from young to aging, from fear to strength, from chaotic energy to focus.

Motherhood in nature. It’s a good thing. ?

Happy Mother’s Day to all!

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