Motherwort Side Effects: Risks & Precautions

Motherwort is a plant typically used as a sedative. It has also been made into a tea for women to drink during childbirth and may be used to help treat anxiety problems. However, motherwort carries some risks of side effects.

Skin

• Touching the leaves of the motherwort plant can cause a skin irritation in some people, such as a rash, hives or even swollen limbs.

Sunlight

• Using motherwort may make some people more prone to getting sunburn, so when using motherwort always wear sunscreen when outdoors.

Stomach

• Some people taking motherwort may experience diarrhea, stomach cramps and even some bleeding. The bleeding may be in the uterine lining, so it may be mistaken for menstrual bleeding.

Bleeding

• Motherwort is sometimes used as a blood thinner, and in some cases people using it may have a hard time stopping wounds from bleeding for a prolonged amount of time.

Breathing

• Some people who use motherwort may experience breathing problems or tightness in the chest. The heart may palpitate in some cases as well.