A Page From An "Herbalist's Notebook" - Motherwort: Part 4: How to make a Motherwort Tincture

Here is the 4th and last in a short series of posts about the benefits of Motherwort, a mint-family plant that is in bloom from mid-to-late summer. Motherwort has a distinctive square stem (a mint family trait!) and can be identified by its small, spiky purple flowers. 

Disclaimer: Motherwort can stimulate uterine contractions and is unsafe for pregnant women. It may interact with heart medications and blood thinners. Anyone with heart conditions, bleeding disorders, or other health concerns should consult a doctor before use. 

If you've been to my classes, we've discussed the methods of creating a tincture from our botanical allies.  Here is a reminder about how to create a Motherwort tincture using the folk method, which is very forgiving and doesn't require precise measurements. For the best results, use fresh, flowering aerial parts of the plant. 

A short disclaimer again for those in the back: Motherwort can cause uterine contractions and is unsafe for pregnant women. It may interfere with heart medications and blood thinners. Always consult a healthcare professional before use.

Preparing Motherwort Tincture (Folk Method):

What you'll need:

Freshly harvested motherwort flowering tops
High-proof, clear alcohol like vodka or everclear (at least 80-100 proof)
A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
Cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer
Amber glass bottles with droppers for storage

Instructions:

• Harvest the herb: Gather the top third of the motherwort plant, including the leaves and flowers, while it is in bloom.
• Prepare the plant matter: Finely chop the fresh motherwort leaves and flowering tops. You can also use a blender with some of the alcohol to break it down further.
• Combine the ingredients: Loosely fill your jar with the chopped herb, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
• Cover with alcohol: Pour your alcohol over the plant matter, making sure it is completely submerged. The alcohol acts as the solvent and preservative.
• Let it steep: Seal the jar and place it in a cool, dark place for at least four to six weeks. Shake the jar every few days to aid the extraction process.
• Strain the tincture: When the tincture is ready, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer into a clean bowl. Squeeze the cloth tightly to extract all the liquid.
• Bottle and label: Transfer the finished tincture into amber dropper bottles to protect it from light. Label each bottle with the contents, alcohol percentage, and the date it was made.

Alcohol-free option: For an alcohol-free version, use a glycerite, which extracts and preserves the compounds in vegetable glycerin instead. The process is similar, but requires a mixture of three parts vegetable glycerin to one part water. 

Determining the appropriate dosage for Motherwort tincture is a crucial step for safe and effective use. It is generally recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any herbal supplement regimen, as dosage needs can vary based on individual factors and the intended use. 

Some common approaches to using Motherwort tincture include:

• Taking a few drops at a time as needed.
  Using it regularly throughout the day for ongoing support.
  Adjusting the frequency of use depending on the severity of symptoms. 
  Motherwort tincture is often diluted in a small amount of liquid, such as water,
  juice, or tea, due to its bitter taste. 

Important safety considerations

• Avoid during pregnancy: Motherwort can stimulate uterine contractions and is considered unsafe during pregnancy.
• Monitor your heart: Due to its effect on the cardiovascular system, those with pre-existing heart conditions should use it cautiously and only with a doctor's supervision.
• Interactions: Motherwort can interfere with certain medications, particularly heart medications and blood thinners.
• Consult a professional: Herbal dosing can vary among practitioners. It is recommended to start with a lower amount and pay attention to how your body responds, and to consult with a trained herbalist or other healthcare provider for personalized guidance. 🍃

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Note: Any remedies or information listed on this blog post site are from personal experience or historical references, and used for teaching / educational purposes only. The contents are not meant to diagnose, treat, prescribe, cure or substitute consultation with a licensed health-care professional. 

My commentary has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, although some of the products mentioned may have been.  Please do your own research and consult a qualified healthcare practitioner.