motherwort

[ muhth-er-wurt, -wawrt ]

noun

1. a European plant, Leonorus cardiaca, of the mint family, an introduced weed in the U.S., having cut leaves with a whorl of lavender flowers in the axils.

motherwort

/ ˈmʌðəˌwɜːt /

noun

1. any of several plants of the Eurasian genus Leonurus, esp L. cardiaca, having divided leaves and clusters of small purple or pink flowers: family Lamiaceae (labiates)

Word History and Origins

Origin of motherwort¹

1350–1400; Middle English moderwort ( mother ¹, wort ² ), so called because believed helpful for diseases of the womb

Word History and Origins

Origin of motherwort¹

C14: so named because it was thought to be beneficial in uterine disorders

Example Sentences

I edged closer, trying to draw her attention, but she was wholly absorbed in listening to her mother, who was explaining how cramp bark and motherwort should be administered to treat post-birth contractions.

From Literature

"You want to come over for some dong quai with a hit of motherwort and a tofu salad sandwich?"

From Salon

Examine ripening fruits of blue curls, pennyroyal, germander, balm, horehound, dittany, hyssop, basil, marjoram, thyme, savory, catmint, skullcap, self-heal, dragon's head, motherwort, and various dry fruits of several chickweeds.

From Project Gutenberg

Not less closely did such old garden weeds as motherwort, groundsel, chickweed, and wild mustard cling to the white man.

From Project Gutenberg

How to Cure Hysterics.—Take the leaves of motherwort and thoroughwort, and the bark of poplar root; equal parts.

From Project Gutenberg