Gerard's Herbal - Part 3
Fig. 1048. Motherwort
The Description.
Motherwort bringeth forth stalks four-square, thick, hard, two cubits high, of an obscure or overworn red colour: the leaves are somewhat black, like those of Nettles, but greater and broader than the leaves of Horehound, deeply indented or cut on the edges. The husks are hard & pricking, which do compass the stalks about like whorls, or little crowns, out of which do grow purplish flowers, not unlike to those of Dead-Nettle, but lesser: The root is compact of many small strings, the whole plant is of a very rank smell and bitter taste.
The Place.
It joyeth among rubbish, in stony and other barren and rough places, especially about Oxford; it profiteth well in gardens.
The Time.
It flourisheth, flowereth, and seedeth from June to September: the leaves and stalks perish in winter, but the root endureth.
The Names.
It is called in our age Cardiaca: in High Dutch, Hertzgesport: in Low Dutch, Hertegespan: in French, Agripaulme: in English, Motherwort. Some there be that make it a kind of Balm, it seems that it may be also referred to Sideritis herculana, or Hercules Ironwort.
The Temperature.
Motherwort is hot and dry in the second degree, by reason of the cleansing and binding quality that it hath.
The Virtues.
A. Divers commend it against the infirmities of the heart: it is judged to be so forceable, that it is thought it took his name Cardiaca of the effect.
B. It is also reported to cure convulsions and cramps, and likewise the palsy: to open the obstructions or stoppings of the entrails: to kill all kinds of worms of the belly.
C. The powder of the herb given in wine, provoketh not only urine, or the monthly course, but also is good for them that are in hard travail with child.
D. Moreover, the same is commended for green wounds: it is also a remedy against certain diseases in cattle, as the cough and murrain, and for that cause divers husbandmen oftentimes much desire it.
