Favorite Essence #2 - Motherwort
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) ~ an essence for developing healthy boundaries and a growing sense of self
This essence stands out as a signature essence for those of us who have difficulty expressing our true feelings or saying no to others. Communicating what we feel and rejecting what we do not want or like is healthy, instinctual behavior. Yet many of us regularly override this instinct because we fear being hurt, rejected, judged or disliked. We become “pleasers,” and we drive a wedge between our true feelings and our behavior. This type of pattern can cause internal stress, and if it's sustained over a period of time, it can weaken many aspects of our health.
Changing this type of behavior takes time and patience. It's often helpful to decide on a boundary-setting task to practice while taking the essence. You might think about asserting a new boundary with someone in your life or saying no to something that doesn't feel right but that you'd normally agree to do. The Motherwort essence will help quiet any fears that come up around boundary-setting and will help you do what's best for you.
Teenagers who are beginning to feel their own power can also benefit from Motherwort. Mood swings, sullenness and distancing behaviors may come to the surface when teens start to feel a growing internal sense of self which they don't yet know how to constructively express. In this case, the essence can soften the edges on the developing teenage personality.
Motherwort can also be helpful in work with pelvic issues - especially if there's a history of boundary intrusions or trauma. Boundary intrusions affect the second chakra by disrupting its ability to open and close at appropriate times. Motherwort helps to restore the healthy functioning of the second chakra so that it can take in positive energy and close to unwanted experiences.
Motherwort is also useful for:
- Territorial animals - reduces aggressive behavior around marking and defending territory and humans
- Children who will not share - relaxes the impulse to hold onto and defend possessions
- People who feel alienated from their true selves - creates a safe container for the core identity to emerge
- People who dislike their friends - helps to establish better boundaries in demanding or unbalanced relationships
- People who do not know what they like - creates a container for self-discovery
- Children and young adults, ages 12-18 - supports younger people in developing their independence
If you have any questions about the Motherwort essence - or if you've used it and would like to share your experiences with it - please leave a comment! Jennifer or I will get back to you.
If you're interested in trying the Motherwort essence, click HERE to purchase.
4 Responses
David Dalton
Hi Alexandria, and thank you for your comments. There are a few essences that combine well with Motherwort depending on more specific symptoms. The Bach Centaury, when there is a loss of individuality and giving away one’s power, Marshmallow when the personality tends to set harsh boundaries, Lady’s Mantle or Bellflower when there is self doubt or a feeling of powerlessness. I hope this is helpful. Thank you again for your insightful question.
Alexandria
Thank you so much for sharing about Motherwort! I especially also enjoyed reading about the bottom bullet points as I did not know that about Motherwort. It almost feels as though she has this symbolic container energy. When putting her into formulas I’m curious if you find she pairs well with certain other essences? Thank you again for sharing about her. I just worked with her for the first time a couple of days ago and she was super powerful in helping me to set a boundary and it was so liberating and freeing!
David Dalton
Hi Elizabeth – and thank you for your comment. Although we do not use motherwort directly for any physical symptoms, we do notice it has a strengthening effect on both the pelvic region and the personality in general. The ability to express protective boundaries gives a person a sense of safety and well-being. This feeling generates a calmness through the whole pelvic region. A person then can experience their own softness rather than the rigidity that comes from feeling unsafe. I hope this is helpful.
Mary Elizabeth Grady
I’m wondering about infections and boundaries!
Candida, parasites, viruses,
And allergies and boundaries.
I have a knowing that motherwort is very helpful to me. I’m not literate in expressing how.
Thankyou for teaching about motherwort.
Elizabeth
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David Dalton
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