Visit our store for a wider selection and the best deals or order for pick up - 12249 San Pablo Ave Richmond, CA 94805

BETTER PRICES AND FULL SELECTION OF SPICES AVAILABLE IN STORE

The online catalog is not a reflection of in-store prices.

FOR IN-STORE CUSTOMERS, CALL US TO ASK ABOUT A SPECIFIC PRODUCT IN STOCK BEFORE COMING IN.

(510) 232-1911

Motherwort: What It Is and How to Use It

Motherwort: What It Is and How to Use It

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is a perennial herb in the mint family, native to Europe and Asia, with tall stalks, deeply lobed leaves, and small pinkish-purple flowers. Its name comes from its traditional use in women's herbal traditions — "mother's herb" — and it has been part of European folk herbalism for centuries. You can find it in the bulk herb section at William's Natural Foods, 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA 94805.

Available in Bulk

We carry motherwort in our bulk herb section so you can grab the exact amount you want — from a spoonful for a single tea blend to a full bag for your home apothecary. Our staff can help you find it in the bulk bins and answer questions about how customers typically prepare it.

What We Carry

  • Motherwort cut and sifted — the dried aerial parts (leaves, stems, and flowers), the classic form for teas.
  • Motherwort powder — finely ground herb for blending into teas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name motherwort mean?

The name literally means "mother's herb" or "mother's wort" (wort being an old word for plant). It reflects the herb's long association with women's health in European folk traditions, where herbalists recommended it for centuries. The Latin species name cardiaca refers to an additional traditional association with the heart.

What is motherwort traditionally used for?

In European herbal traditions, motherwort was traditionally used as a calming herb and for women's wellness, and it appears in herbals dating back to the Middle Ages. Nicholas Culpeper, the famous 17th-century herbalist, wrote about it at length. Modern clinical evidence for its effects is limited.

What does motherwort tea taste like?

Motherwort is quite bitter — one of the more bitter-tasting common herbs. It is almost always blended with other herbs like lemon balm, chamomile, or spearmint rather than drunk on its own. A little goes a long way in a blend.

Is motherwort the same as mugwort?

No, though the names are easy to confuse. Motherwort is Leonurus cardiaca in the mint family, while mugwort is Artemisia vulgaris in the daisy family. They are different plants with different appearances, flavors, and traditional uses. Check the label carefully when buying.

Did you know? Motherwort was one of the herbs carried to the Americas by early European colonists, who planted it in their physic gardens — it has since naturalized across much of North America and can be found growing wild in many states (source: USDA PLANTS Database distribution records for Leonurus cardiaca).

Visit William's Natural Foods at 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA — open Monday through Friday 9 AM to 7 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. Our staff are happy to help you find motherwort in the bulk section and answer questions about the forms we carry.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or a qualified health professional about any health questions.