April 2025 Full Moon Highlight

Today’s full moon marks a milestone for my family. Our eldest turns eighteen today…under the full moon. Which just makes so much sense. She came into this world on a magical day, Friday the 13th, and her emancipation day should be just as magical.

As a mother I’m feeling all the feels. I’m in awe of the confident, capable, fierce, kind, and empathetic human she has become. I have the utmost faith in the wings, she is ready to launch and she will soar! Yet, it seems impossible. She was an infant in my arms just yesterday.

For April’s herb highlight I chose a plant that is intimately tied with the journey of motherhood - Motherwort. Author Juliet Blankespoor says it is, “A potent remedy for anxiety, stress, ire, and irritability.” A fairly apt description for some chunks of motherhood, ha! It’s Latin name, Leonurus cardiaca, refers to its lion’s tale appearance and the plant’s affinity for the heart. Literally the heart of a lioness; an equally apt description for motherhood.

Motherwort is used for all phases of female reproduction - it stimulates menses, strengthens uterine contraction during childbirth, and is a remedy for menopausal symptoms such as insomnia and irritability. The ancients called it, ‘An herb for mothers.’ (Safety note: use with caution in cases of heavy bleeding and not to be used by pregnant humans except during labor.)

As a cardiotonic, Motherwort has long been used for anxiety that affects the heart such as palpitations and increased heart rate brought on by panic attacks. I can certainly recall plenty of anxiety watching my youngsters climb trees, fall off bikes, break bones, walk into high school on day one, and experience heart break. I’ve reached for Motherwort many a time through the years to calm, soothe, and strengthen my lioness heart.

I’m a firm believer that plants come to you when you need them. I know I’ll be sipping a cup of Motherwort tea today as I celebrate this amazing young adult. I encourage you to reach out to those you love, be brave, have a cup of tea, and embrace the lioness within!