Motherwort | Protect the Heart

Associations

Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Astrological Sign: Cancer
Chakra: Heart
Deities: Hera

Description

Also sold as Lion's Tail, Lion's Ear and Throw-wort. Motherwort is worked with for calming emotional intensity, protecting the heart, and restoring a sense of inner steadiness. In spiritual practice, it is often chosen during times of overwhelm, reactivity, or a racing mind, helping to soften sharp edges without shutting down feeling entirely. It supports courage through calm rather than force.

Plant Context

Motherwort grows in tough conditions, often thriving in disturbed or neglected areas. Its resilience reflects its spiritual role as a protector and stabilizer, particularly for those who carry emotional weight. The plant’s name itself speaks to its long association with care, protection, and the heart.

In the Hand

Coarse, prickly cut leaf and flower spike, dull green and stiff enough to catch on the fingers. Sharply bitter when crushed.

Work with it

Motherwort is commonly used in calming rituals, steadying practices, and work around emotional overwhelm. A focused way to work with it is during moments of overwhelm, pairing it with breathwork or journaling to restore composure and perspective.

Important Notes

Avoid during pregnancy.
Sold for its traditional folkloric and metaphysical associations only. Not a drug, supplement, or medicine, and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent anything. For ritual use only.
This herb is packaged in a home kitchen and is not inspected by the Department of State Health Services or a local health department.
Sold in 1/2 ounce packages.