Motherwort and Courage
Leonurus cardiaca
Motherwort is a healing herb that is easy to walk by without noticing. It is part of the mint family, but it’s better behaved then some of the mints. There are no flashy flowers or super strong fragrances. The serrated leaves slope downward, away from the long stem. Tiny prickly, purplish flowers develop where the leaves and stem connect. As summer progresses, the flowers morph into hard, scratchy seedpods. Motherwort reminds me of a dancer with its tall stem and leaves that resemble a ballerina’s skirt. It looks delicate, but if you touch it, the tough flowers and seeds will let you know there is more to it than meets the eye.
The common name, motherwort, indicates its use by herbalists as a nourishing herb for women and female reproductive organs. Cardiaca, from the Latin for heart, is part of the botanical name and indicates its association with heart healing. Motherwort was a history of strengthening and gladdening the heart.16
The convergence of these healing properties creates motherwort’s energetic correspondence of courage. Motherhood and parenting require courage at every turn to nurture and guide children in a difficult world. Having a strong heart is physically and allegorically aligned with courage. The first part of the botanical name, Leonurus, contains leo, the Latin word for lion. Some herbalists thought the plant resembled a lion’s tail. Personally, I don’t see the resemblance, but I do see this plant as lion-hearted—another way to envision courage.
Contrary to popular belief, courage is not fearlessness. Often when we embody courage, we are fully aware of potential danger and walk into the storm anyway. Courage is stepping up and doing hard things because we know we must. With courage, there is a willingness to put ourselves out in the world even though we might be rejected, ignored, or even harmed.
We sometimes frame courage as a dramatic act, like running into a burning building to rescue a child. The inconspicuous nature of motherwort reminds us that small acts of courage happen daily. When you bring your mindful attention to this plant and correspondence, you can be attentive to those small acts of courage in yourself and others.
Morning Attunement Questions
• What connections do I have with motherwort and courage?
• Where else in the green world or in my life do I observe courage?
• What does this correspondence feel like?
• How can I describe this energetic attribute of courage in words or pictures?
• Where does this correspondence of courage resonate most strongly in or around my body or in my life?
Daily Integration Questions
• In what ways is the world reflecting motherwort or courage back to me?
• What nuances and shades of meaning do I notice about motherwort and courage?
Evening Reflection Questions
• Where and how did I experience motherwort or courage today?
• How did I embrace courage today?
• What wisdom does motherwort’s correspondence of courage bring to my life?
16. Grieve, A Modern Herbal, vol. I, 555.