Yì Mǔ Cǎo (益母草) — Chinese Motherwort (Leonurus)
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Yì Mǔ Cǎo (益母草) — Leonurus japonicus / cardiaca — is known in English as Chinese motherwort / Leonurus. It belongs to the category of Herbs that invigorate Blood in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the most important and widely prescribed herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and as a significant individual herb in tailored prescriptions.
I prescribe Yì Mǔ Cǎo as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Yì Mǔ Cǎo |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 益母草 |
| Latin name | Leonurus japonicus / cardiaca |
| English name | Chinese motherwort / Leonurus |
| Nature | Slightly cold |
| Flavour | Acrid, bitter |
| Channels entered | Heart, Liver, Bladder |
| Category | Herbs that invigorate Blood |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Invigorates Blood and dispels stasis — the key herb for gynaecological Blood stasis
- Promotes urination and reduces oedema
- Clears Heat and resolves toxicity
Indications
- Dysmenorrhoea, irregular menstruation and amenorrhoea from Blood stasis
- Post-partum abdominal pain and retained lochia from Blood stasis
- Fibroids, endometriosis and uterine masses from Blood stasis
- Oedema from Blood stasis obstructing fluid metabolism
- Skin conditions with Blood stasis
- Cardiovascular disease — improves coronary blood flow and reduces platelet aggregation
4. Key formulas containing Yì Mǔ Cǎo
Yì Mǔ Cǎo is an ingredient in many classical formulas. The following are among the most important:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Leonurus japonicus (Yi Mu Cao) is one of the most important gynaecological herbs in the Chinese Materia Medica. Key bioactive constituents include leonurine, stachydrine (betaine), alkaloids and iridoids. Leonurine has documented uterine-stimulating effects, oxytocin-like activity, anti-platelet aggregation effects and cardiovascular protective properties including reducing angina and improving cardiac perfusion. Stachydrine has anti-atherosclerotic and neuroprotective effects. Research confirms benefits in dysmenorrhoea, post-partum uterine involution, cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease. Yi Mu Cao is one of the few herbs studied specifically for its effects on uterine blood flow and endometrial development.
6. Cautions and contraindications
Avoid during pregnancy due to its uterotonic and abortifacient effects — this is one of the most important contraindications in the entire Materia Medica. Avoid in patients with Blood deficiency without stasis, as it moves Blood without nourishing it. Use with caution alongside anticoagulant medications.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Yì Mǔ Cǎo as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Fibroids, Endometriosis, Irregular menstrual cycle, High blood pressure. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
