Motherwort is a holy medicine for gynecological issues and is often referred to as the "sacred medicine for blood-related conditions". It is commonly used to treat menstrual irregularities and menstrual pain in women. In addition, motherwort also has cosmetic benefits. But are there any side effects of long-term use?
【Recipe Name】
Motherwort Soup
【Ingredients】
Motherwort, preserved egg, wolfberry, mushroom (you can add minced meat for better taste).
【Effects and Indications】
Using the method of boiling in soup not only reduces the bitterness of motherwort itself, but also allows the medicinal properties of motherwort to be fully utilized. It has the effects of relaxing uterine spasms, relieving menstrual pain, promoting blood circulation, and nourishing the kidneys.
When it comes to women's health, it is best not to take motherwort for a long period of time. It can be taken intermittently, with each cycle not exceeding three months. If you have already taken it for three months, you should stop and then consult a doctor for further adjustment based on your own physical condition and diagnosis.
【Introduction to Motherwort】
Motherwort is a plant of the Labiatae family, also known as Leonurus sibiricus or Chinese motherwort. It is named for its beneficial effects on women. It was first recorded in the "Shennong Bencao Jing" (Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica). The whole plant is used as medicine. It has a pungent, bitter, slightly cold taste and belongs to the Heart, Liver, and Bladder meridians. It specifically acts on the blood of the heart and liver, and is known for its effects of promoting blood circulation, dispelling blood stasis, regulating menstruation, diuresis, promoting new tissue growth, reducing swelling, and relieving pain.
Motherwort should be used according to the specific condition. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes treating different diseases with the same treatment. In other words, as long as it is a condition caused by blood stasis and obstruction, such as menstrual disorders, menstrual pain, amenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain due to blood stasis, etc., motherwort can be used for treatment.
【Does Motherwort Have Side Effects?】
Motherwort is a Chinese herbal medicine and can cause allergic reactions. Patients may experience skin redness, chest tightness, and rapid breathing. Excessive consumption of motherwort paste can cause diarrhea and abdominal pain. There have also been reports of death due to poisoning from taking motherwort.
Motherwort can exacerbate menstrual pain and cause postpartum uterine contractions. Feeding pregnant rabbits with motherwort paste can lead to miscarriage. Motherwort has nephrotoxicity. Animal experiments have shown that motherwort can cause mild inflammation and mild fibrous tissue hyperplasia in the renal interstitium of rats, as well as mild fatty degeneration of renal tubules.
There have also been reports of acute renal failure caused by motherwort in clinical practice. However, as long as it is used rationally, there are no other side effects.
Motherwort should not be used by patients with blood deficiency or kidney deficiency as it may harm their vital energy and worsen their symptoms. However, even for patients with blood stasis type of scanty menstruation, caution should be exercised when using motherwort, as long-term use of the herb can also harm the vital energy and should be stopped once the menstrual flow improves.
In addition, modern research has found that the active ingredients of motherwort have an excitatory effect on the uterus and can cause uterine contractions. Therefore, it should be avoided during pregnancy. Currently, there are many forms of motherwort products on the market, such as motherwort paste, motherwort granules, and motherwort tablets. The effective ingredients of different products vary, so patients should consult a doctor and consider changes in their condition when choosing a specific product.
