Employed in ancient times by many populations, the plant is mainly used for its calming action, as a natural tranquilizer for the body and mind. Leonurus cardiac was anciently used in the form of an infusion or tincture. In herbal medicine, herbal tea represents a natural remedy against stress and agitation, with hypotensive activity.
Cardiac herb Leonorus: properties and benefits
Both the leaves and the flowering tops are historically associated with calming herbal teas, capable of counteracting states of stress and nervousness. Its sedative action is similar to that of Valerian, which works by calming the heartbeat in the cardiovascular system.
From the point of view of psycho-physical relaxation, Cardiaca herbal tea provides rapid relief in case of painful and agitated menstruation. It can be useful to counteract rapid heartbeat, headaches, disorders such as nervousness, hot flashes and difficulty falling asleep.
By relaxing the muscles, it can lower spasms of the uterine muscle, reducing annoying menstrual cramps. A hot infusion of cardiac herb, is historically known to stimulate regular menstrual flow and counteract associated disorders.
Still in the field of female well-being, Cardiaca is a plant that also helps during menopause, as a natural remedy to calm the effects of palpitations and hot flashes. Furthermore, Cardiaca is also known as an herb that supports heart health, as it can lower heart rate and blood pressure.
For regular functioning of the cardiovascular system, it is considered a calming herb that promotes well-being thanks to the hypotensive effects. Furthermore, it helps as a natural relaxing remedy in the case of symptoms that lead to palpitation of the heart.
Those with a rapid heartbeat caused by stress or apprehension can take this herbal tea for a relaxing effect on the heartbeat and mental well-being.
Origins and history of cultivation
Leonurus cardiac is a plant native to Asia and south-eastern Europe, but is now found widespread throughout the world. Already in ancient times it was used to treat various ailments and pathologies, and was known as a medicinal herb. The Greeks used it to treat anxiety in pregnant women, and to induce relaxation during childbirth; in some cultures it is called mother's grass. The name derives from the Greek Kardiaca (heart remedy) and Leonurus from the Greek leon and ouros (tail), since the plant resembles the lion's tail. In ancient China, it was considered a cure-all for longevity, while in the Middle Ages it was also known in Europe to cure livestock diseases. Cardiac was introduced to the North American continent by the colonizers, and was also used by the Cherokee Native Americans as a natural calming agent. The whole plant, harvested during summer flowering, is used in herbal medicine. It was also used in cooking, as the flowers are good for flavoring soups and legumes, for flavoring beer and for tea. It is also called just Cardiaca, known in Spain as Agripalma and in France as Agripaume.
Plant and flowers
Leonurus cardiac is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the mint family Lamiaceae. It is perennial, grows more or less up to 1 meter in height, and flowers in summer in July and August. The leaves are lobed with long petioles and serrated margins, while the flowers are bright red. The plant also has fibrous roots and rhizomes. It grows best on partially shaded, well-drained and humus-rich soil. Its favorite habitat is in uncultivated fields, at the edges of roads, along hedges and among ruins.
Nutritional values of heart herb
The compounds of the plant best known for their health-promoting properties are leonurine and stachyhydrine alkaloids. Other significant substances are flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenolic acids and ursolic acid.
How to use Leonurus Cardiaca in herbal tea
The Leonurus Cardiac infusion is obtained by placing approximately 3 in a cup (250 ml). -5 grams of herbal tea cut, with water at 100 °C.
Leave it to infuse for 5 to 8 minutes before drinking the calming herbal tea. Add honey or sugar, if desired.
Heart Herb: side effects and contraindications
This plant is generally safe for preparing herbal tea, but side effects are possible, particularly if the quantities are exceeded. The effectsUndesirable effects include diarrhea, stomach irritation, severe drowsiness and weakness, in some cases uterine bleeding. Herbal tea should not be taken during pregnancy, because it can stimulate the uterus. Allergic reactions are possible in predisposed individuals. Ask a specialist for information regarding the use of Leonurus cardiac, in the case of complex cardiac conditions, taking sedatives or thyroid medicines; could interfere with ongoing treatments.
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