Q: Dear Susun,
You recently wrote about the effects of motherwort in Sagewoman. I am very interested in the healing effects on the heart. My mother suffers from a many faceted heart problem. Something along the lines that her heart speeds up so fast (250ish beats per min) that she basically has a heart attack. After the first one she was put on lots of medication to counteract the problem. She then almost had a recurrence because the pharmicist gave her the wrong pill when she went for a refill. Since then she switched
pharmicies and hasn't had a problem.
However, I thought that motherwort would be great insurance to make sure that nothing happens again. I am worried though, that since she is already taking so much, there might be a hazardous interaction of some sort. (I should note that I seriously doubt her doctor would go for dropping anything just so she can try motherwort.) Do you think it would be possible to use motherwort anyway, and if so how should it be preparred (alcohol is a no-go)?
Curious to help...
A: I hear your concern for your mother, and your desire to help beyond the many medications offered by her doctor. What you describe sounds to me like tachycardia. I used to have this problem, and it was quite disconcerting to myself and my family. I rarely have it now, and this I attribute to finding the emotional connection. I would feel my heartbeat on my wrist and learn to relax with it and feel it slow down. Also, I have since discovered that my blood sugar and electrolyte balance was all over from not eating very mineral rich foods, and not eating regularly and often not in the morning. Believe it or not, changing these things are what has helped me! Of course I do not know your mother's situation as compared to mine. I was much younger (in my early 20s) and wound up at the emergency room often, with others fearing I was having a heart attack.
The standard preparation for Motherwort is in alcohol. This is the medium that draws out the necessary constituents. The amount taken is so little, perhaps the alcohol is not a concern? My mother is absolutely opposed to alcohol as well. What she does is let the tincture sit in water on the table for a half hour or so, so alcohol can evaporate off. I have heard you can take motherwort in tea form, but will not get all the same benefits, and it is horribly bitter, and may turn you mother away from it. I have not heard of concerns regarding interactions with motherwort and other medications, though would recommend you inquire further. Most doctors with have a manual, or access to it, that lists known interactions between drugs and herbs. Even though the doctor may not suggest your mother let go of a drug for a possible better alternative, I encourage you and your mother to research, just as you are doing with motherwort, the drugs and choose for yourselves what is best.
Susun has two articles you may find helpful. The first is about motherwort, though it may cover all that you already read in SageWoman. The second is heart healthy tips. Here are many ideas to help nourish one's heart health, including motherwort, as well as many diet ideas that can easily be implemented without concern of reaction to the drugs your mother takes. If I can help any further, please let me know!
Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com
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