Chinese motherwort, known in traditional Chinese medicine as Yi Mu Cao, is a classic herb used mainly for menstrual and postpartum support. It has a long clinical history in East Asia, and modern research has added a useful layer of detail: the plant contains active compounds such as leonurine and stachydrine that appear to influence uterine activity, inflammation pathways, and blood vessel function. That mix explains why Chinese motherwort is often discussed for period pain, delayed or irregular flow linked to blood stasis patterns, and recovery after childbirth.
What makes this herb especially interesting is how different its forms can be. A tea or decoction, a concentrated extract, and a hospital injection are not interchangeable, even when they come from the same plant. This guide focuses on practical use, dosage ranges, real-world safety questions, and what the evidence actually supports so readers can make informed decisions.
Key Insights
- Chinese motherwort is most often used for menstrual discomfort, postpartum recovery support, and circulation-related traditional uses.
- Leonurine and stachydrine are key compounds linked to uterine, anti-inflammatory, and vascular effects in laboratory research.
- A common traditional oral dose range for the dried aerial herb is 9 to 30 g per day in decoction form.
- Avoid Chinese motherwort during pregnancy, especially early pregnancy, unless a qualified clinician specifically prescribes it.
- People using blood thinners, antiplatelet drugs, or strong uterine-acting medicines should not self-dose this herb.
Table of Contents
- What is Chinese motherwort
- Key compounds and how they work
- What Chinese motherwort may help with
- How to use Chinese motherwort
- How much Chinese motherwort per day
- Side effects, interactions, and who should avoid it
- What the evidence actually says
What is Chinese motherwort
Chinese motherwort is the medicinal aerial part of Leonurus japonicus, a member of the mint family. In Chinese medicine, it is commonly called Yi Mu Cao and is traditionally grouped among herbs used to move blood, regulate menstrual flow, and support recovery after childbirth. The herb has a bitter, slightly pungent profile in traditional use and is often chosen when symptoms suggest stagnation, such as cramping pain, delayed menses, clotting, or postpartum abdominal discomfort.
A practical point that many readers miss is that Chinese motherwort is not exactly the same as the European or common motherwort sold in many Western herbal products. Those products often use Leonurus cardiaca, a related species with overlapping names but different traditions and somewhat different use patterns. If a label says only “motherwort,” check the Latin name. For this article, the focus is Leonurus japonicus.
Chinese motherwort has also been used beyond menstrual concerns. Traditional texts and modern discussions describe use in edema, difficult urination, and certain inflammatory skin conditions, though these are less common reasons people look it up today. In contemporary Chinese practice, it appears in decoctions, granules, tablets, capsules, and patented gynecologic products. In hospital settings, an injectable preparation made from motherwort extracts has also been studied for bleeding prevention after abortion or childbirth, but that is a medical product, not a home remedy.
Another useful detail is plant-part specificity. The aerial part is the classic Yi Mu Cao herb, while the seeds can be used as a separate medicinal item in some traditions. This matters because active compound profiles can vary by plant part, and so can dosing and expected effects.
In short, Chinese motherwort is best understood as a gynecologic and circulation-focused traditional herb with a long history and growing modern research interest. It is not a casual “wellness tea” for everyone. The same qualities that make it useful for uterine and blood-related concerns also explain why proper dosing, form selection, and safety screening are essential.
Key compounds and how they work
Chinese motherwort contains a broad mix of natural compounds, and that complexity is one reason it shows up in both traditional practice and modern pharmacology papers. Reviews of Leonurus japonicus describe a large chemical profile that includes alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, and other secondary metabolites. In plain terms, this is not a one-compound herb.
The two compounds most often discussed are:
- Leonurine
This is one of the signature alkaloids associated with the Leonurus genus and is often used as a “marker compound” when researchers study motherwort activity. Laboratory and animal studies link leonurine to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, vascular, and uterine-related effects. - Stachydrine
Another important alkaloid in Leonurus japonicus, stachydrine has been studied for cardiovascular, anti-fibrotic, and anti-inflammatory actions, as well as possible roles in uterine regulation.
A useful modern insight is that Chinese motherwort’s uterine effects are not always one-directional. Recent laboratory work on coumarins from Leonurus japonicus suggests that different compounds may stimulate or inhibit uterine muscle contraction depending on their structure. That helps explain why crude herb preparations can behave differently from isolated compounds and why formulation matters so much in real use.
Researchers also describe several pharmacologic themes that come up repeatedly:
- Uterine activity modulation: likely central to traditional menstrual and postpartum uses.
- Anti-inflammatory signaling: a possible reason the herb is explored in pain and tissue-recovery contexts.
- Antioxidant effects: common in preclinical studies, though not a direct clinical outcome by itself.
- Vascular and blood-flow effects: potentially relevant to circulation-related traditional indications.
- Antiplatelet and vasomotor effects (mainly from isolated compounds): important for safety screening, especially with medications.
This is where many articles become too simplistic. Saying “Chinese motherwort improves circulation” is not wrong, but it hides the real issue: the herb contains multiple compounds with overlapping and sometimes opposing actions, and different products emphasize different fractions. A water decoction, a concentrated extract, and an injectable hospital preparation can deliver very different chemical exposures.
For readers evaluating supplements, this means the label should ideally provide more than a brand name. Look for the Latin species, plant part used, extraction ratio if applicable, and standardized compounds when available. Without that information, it is hard to predict effects or compare one product to another.
The chemistry of Chinese motherwort is promising, but it also supports a cautious conclusion: the herb’s effects are real enough to deserve respect, and too complex to treat as a one-size-fits-all remedy.
What Chinese motherwort may help with
Chinese motherwort is most often used for gynecologic concerns, especially when symptoms involve cramping, clotting, irregular flow, or postpartum recovery. Traditional use and modern reviews align most strongly in that area. The herb is frequently described as a blood-regulating remedy, which in practical terms usually means it is chosen when a person has painful periods, delayed menstruation, or discomfort after delivery.
Menstrual pain and irregular flow
For many users, the main interest is period support. Chinese motherwort is commonly used in traditional prescriptions for dysmenorrhea, especially when pain feels fixed, crampy, or is accompanied by dark blood or clots. It is not a general painkiller in the same sense as ibuprofen, but it may be selected when the goal is to support uterine regulation and flow patterns.
It may be considered when someone has:
- Painful periods with cramping
- Irregular timing with a pattern of delayed flow
- Scant or obstructed-feeling menstruation
- Post-menstrual lingering abdominal discomfort
That does not mean it is appropriate for every cycle problem. Heavy bleeding, severe pelvic pain, suspected endometriosis, and sudden changes in bleeding pattern all need medical evaluation first.
Postpartum recovery support
Chinese motherwort also has a long reputation in postpartum care, particularly for helping the uterus recover and for supporting the passage of lochia. In modern Chinese clinical settings, motherwort-derived products have been studied for prevention of uterine bleeding after abortion and childbirth procedures. This is one of the few areas where human clinical data exist, though the strongest data are for injectable formulations used in hospitals, not self-prescribed tea.
Edema and urination support
Traditional use also includes swelling and reduced urination. This is less discussed in mainstream supplement marketing, but it remains part of the herb’s classical profile. The evidence here is more indirect and less clinically developed than the gynecologic uses.
Anti-inflammatory and tissue-support roles
Preclinical studies describe anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic activity. These findings are scientifically useful, but they do not automatically prove symptom relief in humans. They do, however, help explain why Chinese motherwort continues to attract research interest.
A realistic way to think about benefits is this: Chinese motherwort may be most helpful when used for its traditional strength areas, especially menstrual and postpartum support, and less reliable when marketed as a broad “detox” or “heart health” supplement. The further a claim moves away from uterine and gynecologic use, the more cautious readers should be about hype.
How to use Chinese motherwort
The best way to use Chinese motherwort depends on the form, the goal, and the level of supervision available. This is not just a matter of convenience. Different forms can act differently because they vary in concentration, extraction method, and intended use.
Common forms of Chinese motherwort
- Dried herb for decoction (traditional use)
This is the classic form. The dried aerial parts are simmered in water and taken as a decoction, often as part of a multi-herb formula rather than alone. - Granules or concentrated powders
These are common in modern Chinese medicine clinics. They are easier to dose than raw herbs, but strength varies widely by manufacturer. - Capsules and tablets
Convenient for self-use, but quality can vary. Some products combine Chinese motherwort with other herbs for menstrual support. - Patent medicines
In East Asian practice, motherwort is often included in standardized gynecologic formulas. These can be useful, but the total effect comes from the formula, not just one herb. - Injectable motherwort products
These are medical products used in clinical settings and should not be confused with oral supplements. They are not appropriate for home use.
Practical use cases
Chinese motherwort is often used in one of three patterns:
- Short-term menstrual support
A person may use it around the time when cramps or delayed flow typically occur. - Postpartum support under supervision
In traditional care, it may be used to support uterine recovery, but postpartum bleeding risk makes clinician guidance especially important. - Formula-based treatment
It is frequently paired with other herbs chosen for pattern-specific symptoms, such as cold, deficiency, or blood stasis.
Tips that improve safety and consistency
- Buy products that list Leonurus japonicus clearly.
- Confirm the plant part if possible (aerial herb is the standard Yi Mu Cao form).
- Avoid mixing multiple motherwort products at the same time.
- Keep a simple symptom log for pain, bleeding amount, cycle timing, and side effects.
- If you are under medical care for menstrual disorders, share the exact product and dose with your clinician.
A common mistake is treating Chinese motherwort like a daily tonic without a clear reason. It is usually better used with a defined goal, a defined time window, and a reassessment point. Another mistake is assuming all “motherwort” products are the same species. Always check the Latin name.
When in doubt, use the least complicated option: one reputable product, one measured dose, and a short trial period with close monitoring. That approach makes it much easier to tell whether it is helping or causing problems.
How much Chinese motherwort per day
The most commonly cited traditional oral dose range for Chinese motherwort (Yi Mu Cao) is 9 to 30 g per day of the dried aerial herb, usually prepared as a decoction. That range appears in modern ethnopharmacology summaries of real-world Chinese medicine prescribing and is a practical anchor for understanding dosage.
That said, dosage is not one number. It changes with the product form, the treatment goal, and whether the herb is used alone or in a formula.
Traditional dried herb dose
- Typical range: 9 to 30 g/day (dried aerial herb)
- Common use: decocted in water, often divided into 1 to 2 doses
- Context: usually part of a practitioner-designed formula, not a stand-alone herb
Lower doses within the range are often used when the herb is one component of a multi-herb prescription. Higher doses may be used when a practitioner wants a stronger blood-regulating or uterine-focused effect, but this is also where side-effect risk becomes more relevant.
Granules, extracts, and capsules
There is no universal conversion from “9 to 30 g dried herb” to capsules or granules because manufacturers use different extraction ratios and processing methods. A 500 mg capsule from one brand may not match another brand’s strength.
A practical rule for non-decoction products:
- Follow the manufacturer’s labeled dose first.
- Start at the low end for 3 to 5 days.
- Increase only if tolerated and only if the goal is clear.
- Stop and reassess if bleeding becomes heavier, cramping worsens, or you feel unwell.
Timing and duration
Chinese motherwort is often used in short courses, not endlessly. A conservative approach is:
- Menstrual use: trial for 1 to 3 cycles, then reassess
- Postpartum use: only with clinician guidance because bleeding changes can be serious
- General use: avoid long-term self-dosing without a clear indication
Dosing variables that matter
- Body size and sensitivity
- Bleeding pattern
- Other herbs in the formula
- Medication use, especially blood thinners
- Reason for use (period cramps versus postpartum support)
One more important point: hospital studies on motherwort injection do not establish a home dosing schedule for oral products. Even the clinical literature notes uncertainty about the best dosing protocols in some settings. For that reason, it is a mistake to copy doses from injectable products or from obstetric protocols and apply them to capsules or tea.
If you have a history of heavy periods, anemia, miscarriage, or bleeding disorders, dose decisions should be made with a qualified clinician rather than by trial and error.
Side effects, interactions, and who should avoid it
Chinese motherwort can be helpful, but it is not a low-risk herb for everyone. Its traditional use and pharmacology both point to a clear pattern: it affects uterine activity and blood-related processes, so safety screening matters before use.
Common or plausible side effects
High-quality oral safety data are limited, but based on traditional use, clinical caution notes, and known pharmacology, possible side effects include:
- Increased menstrual flow
- Stronger uterine cramping
- Abdominal discomfort
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea or digestive upset
- Easy bruising or bleeding tendency in sensitive users
Not everyone will have these effects, but they become more important as the dose increases or when Chinese motherwort is combined with other blood-moving herbs.
Who should avoid Chinese motherwort
Chinese motherwort is generally not appropriate for self-use in the following groups:
- Pregnant people, especially in the first trimester
- People trying to conceive, unless specifically guided by a clinician
- Those with heavy menstrual bleeding or unexplained vaginal bleeding
- People with bleeding disorders
- Anyone scheduled for surgery (unless a clinician advises otherwise)
- People with severe anemia related to blood loss
The pregnancy warning is especially important. Population-based prescribing research in Taiwan specifically notes caution with Leonuri Herba (Yi Mu Cao) during pregnancy and highlights concern about increased uterine contractile activity. Even if a product is marketed as “natural,” that does not make it safe in pregnancy.
Medication interactions to watch
Use extra caution and seek medical guidance if you take:
- Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
- Antiplatelet drugs
- Regular NSAID pain relievers, if they already increase bleeding risk
- Uterotonic agents or other medicines that affect uterine contractions
- Blood pressure medicines, especially if you tend to run low
Some of these interactions are based on pharmacologic mechanisms and limited clinical evidence rather than large interaction trials, but they are still clinically relevant.
When to stop and get medical help
Stop the herb and seek medical care right away if you develop:
- Heavy bleeding or passing large clots
- Fainting or near-fainting
- Severe pelvic pain
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid heartbeat with weakness
- Any bleeding during pregnancy
Chinese motherwort works best when it is used intentionally, not casually. If your symptoms are severe, sudden, or persistent, the safest move is not to increase the dose. It is to get a diagnosis first.
What the evidence actually says
Chinese motherwort has a long track record in traditional medicine, but the modern evidence base is uneven. There is real research behind it, yet the strength of evidence depends heavily on which form you mean: whole herb, isolated compounds, or injectable hospital products.
Where the evidence is strongest
The best human evidence so far is in Chinese clinical settings using motherwort injection, especially for bleeding-related outcomes after abortion or childbirth procedures. Systematic review data suggest benefits such as reduced bleeding and faster menstrual recovery in some settings. However, those same reviews also report major limitations:
- Many trials are small
- Risk of bias is often high
- Most studies come from one country
- Dosing protocols vary
- Overall evidence quality is often low or very low
That means the results are promising, but not definitive.
Where the evidence is mostly preclinical
For oral Chinese motherwort and its active compounds, much of the literature is still:
- Cell studies
- Animal models
- Mechanistic reviews
- Phytochemical profiling studies
These studies are valuable because they clarify how compounds like leonurine and stachydrine may work. They support the plausibility of anti-inflammatory, uterine-regulating, and vascular effects. But they do not automatically tell us which oral dose helps a person with cramps, how long to treat, or who is most likely to benefit.
Why the evidence can feel confusing
A major reason is formulation mismatch. Researchers may study:
- Whole-herb decoctions
- Purified leonurine
- Stachydrine
- Compound formulas
- Injectable motherwort extracts
These are all related, but they are not interchangeable. A positive result for motherwort injection does not prove the same outcome for a capsule bought online. A lab study on leonurine does not prove the whole herb works the same way in daily practice.
The most realistic conclusion
Chinese motherwort is best viewed as a traditional gynecologic herb with credible pharmacologic activity and selectively promising clinical evidence, especially in supervised obstetric and gynecologic settings. It is not a miracle herb, and it is not well-enough studied to support broad self-treatment claims for every condition it is marketed for.
For most readers, the smartest use of the evidence is practical:
- Use it for the areas where tradition and modern data overlap most clearly (menstrual and postpartum support).
- Use defined doses and short trial periods.
- Avoid use in pregnancy unless formally prescribed.
- Do not substitute it for emergency care when bleeding is heavy or symptoms are severe.
That balanced approach respects both the herb’s potential and the current limits of the science.
References
- Leonurus japonicus (Chinese motherwort), an excellent traditional medicine for obstetrical and gynecological diseases: A comprehensive overview – PubMed 2019 (Review)
- Leonurine: a comprehensive review of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and toxicology – PMC 2024 (Review)
- Ethnopharmacological Survey of Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacy Prescriptions for Dysmenorrhea – PMC 2021 (Observational Survey)
- Motherwort Injection for Preventing Uterine Hemorrhage in Women With Induced Abortion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Evidence – PMC 2022 (Systematic Review)
- Prescription patterns and factors influencing the use of Chinese herbal medicine among pregnant women in Taiwan: a population-based retrospective study – PMC 2020 (Population Study)
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Chinese motherwort can affect uterine activity and bleeding, so it is not appropriate for everyone. Do not use it during pregnancy unless a qualified clinician specifically prescribes it. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pelvic pain, anemia, a bleeding disorder, or take blood thinners, speak with a licensed healthcare professional before using this herb. Seek urgent medical care for severe bleeding, fainting, or bleeding during pregnancy.
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