Natural Solutions for Female Fertility: Leonurus Japonicus
For couples struggling to conceive, it can be a frustrating, trying, even frightening time in their lives. There are uncomfortable questions that must be asked and answered, and in many cases, the only solution may seem to be a medical procedure, such as IVF (in-vitro fertilization). However, for many people, there is a natural solution that can boost female fertility and help you conceive naturally. Leonurus japonicus has been used for centuries in Eastern medical tradition1 and may be precisely the solution you’re seeking.
What Is Leonurus Japonicus?
Leonurus japonicus is an herbaceous flowering plant. It’s native to Asia and can be found from Cambodia to Korea to Japan and China. It has been used for thousands of years in traditional Eastern medicine and is actually one of the 50 “fundamental” herbs used in Chinese medicine2.
The plant can be either a perennial or biennial3 depending on the environment and growing conditions, and it grows from tap roots4. The stems grow upright and can reach up to 120 centimeters in height (47.2 inches). The flowers are usually triangular in shape and can be whitish, reddish, or purple in color. The plant blooms from July through September.
In natural settings, the plant grows well on hillsides and roadsides, as well as in spaces where other plants may fail to thrive, including elevations over 1,154 feet, but does tend to prefer moist soil.
Other Names for the Herb
Leonurus japonicus is the plant’s formal name. You might be more familiar with it by any number of common names, including the following:
- Yi Mu Cao
- Honeyweed
- Chinese motherwort
- Lion’s tail
- Motherwort
- Agripalma
- Cardiaire
- Throw-wort
- Lion’s ear
Traditional Uses for Leonurus Japonicus
By any name, this herb has been used to treat a broad range of conditions, including alcoholism (when combined with valerian, hops, and other herbs), anxiety, hypertension, menopausal symptoms, heart conditions, shingles, hyperthyroidism, and more. However, it is most famous for its use in helping mothers and mothers to be. In fact, the Chinese name “Yí Mu Cao” literally translates to “beneficial herb for mothers”.
How Does Leonurus Japonicus Support Female Fertility?
While the specific action within the body that supports improved fertility in women is not well understood, Chinese motherwort has been traditionally used for a wide range of fertility and female health-related needs5. The results can be quite profound, and include the following:
- Uterus – Leonurus japonicus can help to improve uterine tone and can stimulate it to work more efficiently. For women who have irregular menses or who have missed cycles, the herb can help to regulate periods. The presence of leonurine, a powerful alkaloid, helps to relax muscles in the uterus and abdomen.
- Blood Flow – The herb has been shown to help improve and strengthen blood flow, particularly to the uterus. It has also been shown to help stimulate new capillary growth, which is important for heart health, but also for whole-body health, including the reproductive system.
- Anxiety and Stress – Anxiety and stress are part and parcel of life, particularly for women, but they can also add to fertility challenges. Motherwort has been shown to help reduce anxiety and stress, as well as related symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat.
- Hyperthyroidism – If left untreated, hyperthyroidism can lead to infertility. Leonurus japonicus has been shown to help treat hyperthyroidism and regulate thyroid hormone production.
Leonurus Japonicus Dosage Information
Chinese motherwort can be taken in a number of ways5. Traditionally, it has been used as a topical treatment and combined with a carrier oil or other liquid to make a poultice, which was then placed on the abdomen. To use it in this way, simply macerate the herb, combine it with your carrier liquid/oil, and apply to the abdomen. This is one of the most effective ways to use the herb for treating painful menstrual cramps.
However, it can also be taken as a tincture or as an infusion. Note that the herb has a very strong, bitter taste, so using liquid extract may be the better option. To infuse the herb itself, combine one to two teaspoons of dried Leonurus japonicus with one cup of water. Bring it to a boil and steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Consume three cups of this per day. If using liquid extract, the dosage is much more elastic – from five to 25 drops per dose, taken three times per day.
Note that it is better to take this herb under the guidance of a trained herbalist or other experts to ensure that you’re getting the right dosage for your body. Many factors play a role in dosage, including your age, level of health, existing medical conditions, and more.
Potential Side Effects and Interactions
All herbs have potential side effects. Leonurus japonicus is no exception6. It should not be taken by pregnant women, as its uterine stimulant activity may cause miscarriage. It should also not be taken when breastfeeding. Other potential side effects include uterine bleeding, stomach irritation, and diarrhea. Skin contact can cause rashes. Consuming this herb may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. The herb can also cause drowsiness and sleepiness. Do not take it if you are currently taking any other sedatives7.
Conclusion
In the end, Chinese motherwort can be a powerful tool in your quest to become a parent. It has been used for centuries to help improve female reproductive health, as well as whole-body health, and maybe the right solution for your own situation. However, like many other herbal remedies, this should not be taken without the guidance of a trained specialist. You should also discuss any other medications that you might be taking, as there are potential contraindications that may cause serious complications.
Source:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4839918/
- https://www.intechopen.com/books/chinese-medical-therapies-for-diabetes-infertility-silicosis-and-the-theoretical-basis/complementary-and-alternative-therapy-with-traditional-chinese-medicine-for-infertility
- http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Leonurus+japonicus
- https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/115194
- https://natural-fertility-info.com/fertility-herb-motherwort.html
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-126/motherwort
- https://www.rxlist.com/motherwort/supplements.htm