A tall, hardy, strong-smelling perennial, growing to 1.2 m (4 ft.), it has square, hollow stems, with deeply lobed, prominently veined leaves, set opposite each other. The mauve-pink, double-lipped flowers appear in the upper leaf axils throughout summer. Widely grown in herb gardens for its attractive foliage.
History and traditions
In ancient Greece, this herb was first given to pregnant women to calm their anxieties, which is the origin of its common name. The generic name, Leonurus, refers to the plant’s supposed resemblance to a lion’s tail, but the specific name, cardiac, comes directly from the Greek word for heart because of its widespread use in former times for treating heart palpitations and afflictions. Macer’s Herbal, 1530 goes further, giving it supernatural powers against wicked spirits.
Growth
Grow in moist but well-drained soil in a sunny position. Propagated by seed sown in spring, or by division in spring or autumn.
Parts used
Flowering tops dried for use in infusions, liquid extracts and tinctures.
Uses
Medicinal
Research has shown that this herb does have a beneficial and calming effect on the heart, and is mildly sedative. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties but despite its original usage, origins and name, it is not to be given to pregnant women in modern herbal medicine.
