Yi Mu Cao
Leonurus japonicus
Synonyms: Leonurus sibiricus, Leonurus heterophyllus f. leucanthus, Leonurus artemisia, Leonurus japonicus f. albiflorus, Leonurus cuneifolius, Leonurus artemisia var. albiflorus, Leonurus intermedius, Leonurus altissimus, Leonurus sibiricus f. niveus, Leonurus sibiricus var. albiflorus, Leonurus japonicus f. niveus, Leonurus heterophyllus, Leonurus mexicanus, Stachys artemisia
โฏ TCM Properties
Invigorates the Blood, dispels Stasis, regulates menstruation and reduces masses; Promotes urination and reduces swelling and edema; Clears Heat and resolves toxicity
Western Herbalism Properties
Gallery
Botanical Description
Leonurus japonicus is an annual or biennial herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae), growing 30-120 cm tall. Stems are square, erect, and branched, with fine hairs. Lower leaves are palmately 3-lobed, upper leaves become narrow and less divided. Small, pale pink to white, two-lipped flowers are produced in dense whorls in the axils of the upper leaves. The calyx has 5 spiny teeth. Seeds (Chong Wei Zi) are small, triangular, and dark brown. This is the primary TCM species for Yi Mu Cao (different from European L. cardiaca).
Roadsides, fields, waste places, forest margins, and disturbed habitats; native to East Asia (China, Japan, Korea), widely distributed throughout temperate Asia and naturalized elsewhere.
Leonurus japonicus is a common and widespread weed throughout East Asia. It is widely cultivated for medicinal use and is considered common in its native habitat. No conservation concerns.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Yi Mu Cao (Chinese motherwort herb) is a cool herb used in Chinese medicine primarily as a gynecological herb to invigorate Blood, regulate menstruation, and promote urination. It is used for menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain, and retained lochia from Blood stasis; for infertility and abdominal masses from Blood and Qi obstruction; and for acute edema with Blood stasis. It is also applied topically for sores and abscesses from toxic Heat accumulation.
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.