How we pick our products
Welcome to our big motherwort test 2023. Here we present all the motherwort preparations that we have tested in detail. We have compiled detailed background information and added a summary of customer reviews on the internet.
We would like to make your purchase decision easier and help you find the best motherwort for you. You will also find answers to frequently asked questions in our guide. Furthermore, you will also find some important information on this page that you should be aware of if you want to buy motherwort.
Summary
- Feverfew is a European medicinal and ornamental plant that is particularly known for its effect against headaches and migraines.
- In addition, motherwort can have a supportive effect on a number of diseases. These include, above all, diseases of the nerves, pain and feverish conditions. As the name suggests, motherwort is particularly helpful for women: For menstrual pain, premenstrual syndrome and to ease childbirth. Caution Especially in the first third of pregnancy, motherwort can also lead to serious complications!
- Motherwort is primarily used in the form of capsules and tablets. However, tinctures and ground motherwort powder are also used.
The best Motherwort: Our Picks
Guide: Questions you should ask yourself before buying motherwort
What is motherwort?
Colloquial synonyms for motherwort are maidenhair, maidenflower, maidenweed (Swabian, Silesian), maraun, mater (East Prussian), matram or sun’s eye (Middle High German).
The herbaceous plant grows on loamy, nutrient-rich soil and reaches a height of between 30 and 80 centimetres. In the flowering season from June to September, the motherwort forms white flower heads and resembles the camomile, but has different leaves.
Feverfew has been planted in farm gardens as a medicinal and ornamental plant since the Middle Ages and now grows wild in rural grasslands and shrubberies.
What diseases can motherwort help with?
- Migraine
- Menstrual cramps, premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Menopausal symptoms
- Digestive problems, flatulence
- Leishmaniasis
- Mild depression
- Rheumatic diseases
- Skin rashes
- Flu-like infections with cough
- Back pain, sciatica
The active ingredient of parthenolides contained in motherwort supports nerve regeneration. Therefore, motherwort helps with diseases of the nerves such as multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, fibromyalgia and strokes.
Since parthenolides inhibit the formation of prostaglandins and the release of serotonin from the blood platelets, research is currently being done to produce drugs against leukaemia from motherwort.
Attention contraindication!
As motherwort has a labour-inducing effect, it should be avoided during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester!
Also during breastfeeding and for small children: stay away from motherwort!
How long should you take motherwort?
However, after a longer period of use, you should gradually stop taking the preparation, as otherwise side effects may occur.
In what dose can motherwort be taken?
How much do different motherwort preparations cost?
Motherwort preparations are usually sold in the form of capsules. These can be well dosed and are suitable for internal use. Prices range from 4.90€ to 40€ for 120 to 300 capsules. Motherwort tinctures cost between 12€ and 25€ for 50ml.
What interactions do I have to be aware of?
What side effects can occur?
When used for the first time, digestive disorders and abdominal pain may occur. In case of long-term use, inflammation of the oral mucosa may occur. Side effects often happen only during discontinuation of long-term use. Temporary headaches, restlessness, sleep disturbances, stiff muscles and joint pain occur. Therefore, the dose should be reduced slowly, preferably gradually over 2 weeks.
Example: In the 1st week take only 1 tablet every other day, in the 2nd week take only 1 tablet every third day.
What alternatives are there to motherwort?
Cough syrups help with stubborn coughs. In the case of prolonged illnesses, a visit to a general practitioner is necessary in any case!
Decision: What types of motherwort applications are there and which one is right for you?
If you are considering taking motherwort, there are several possible uses.
- High-dose motherwort capsules
- Drops, tincture
- Ground motherwort
High-dose capsules, tablets or dragées are best suited for internal use over a longer period of time. The active ingredients are more concentrated than in the dried plant alone.
Drops and tinctures of motherwort are suitable for internal and external use. These can be swallowed or applied to sensitive skin areas. Creams and ointments can be applied to sensitive skin areas.
Ground motherwort in the form of powder or motherwort tea is the most natural form of application and consists of dried plant parts.
What distinguishes high-dose motherwort capsules and what are their advantages and disadvantages?
Motherwort capsules contain all the valuable active substances of the plant in concentrated form. These are easy to swallow and then unfold their full effectiveness in the stomach.
Those who want to take motherwort over a longer period of time are best advised to use this form. High-dose capsules are recommended especially for chronic headaches.
What are the characteristics of motherwort drops and what are their advantages and disadvantages?
Motherwort drops are made from motherwort mother tincture. The active ingredients are usually dissolved in alcohol and can then also be applied externally. If you want to make your own applications, the tincture is suitable for making your own creams and ointments.
What distinguishes ground motherwort and what are the advantages and disadvantages?
Ground motherwort is the most natural way of processing the plant. After harvesting, the motherwort is dried and ground into a powder. This is usually used as a tea and is a natural form of application after infusing it with hot water.
The ground motherwort powder is perfect for mixing with other medicinal plants.
As it is a natural product, the dried herb should be used within one year.
Buying criteria: You can use these factors to compare and evaluate motherwort
In the following, we will show you which aspects you can use to decide between the many motherwort preparations and possible applications.
The criteria you can use to choose your motherwort preparation are as follows: In the following paragraphs we will explain the most important points regarding the individual criteria.
- Application
- Dosage
- Herbal mixtures
- Manufacturer
- Price-performance ratio
Application
Depending on the diseases you want to treat with motherwort, different preparations are better or worse suited.
Each disease that you want to treat with motherwort has a form of application that is suitable for you.
If you suffer from chronic headaches, the use of tablets or capsules is recommended. You can also take these prophylactically over a longer period of time. The same applies to neurological diseases if you want to support your nerves in regenerating.
Package sizes for capsules vary between 60, 120 and 360 pieces. For back pain or sciatica, drops can be applied to the affected area. Drops are also the best choice for skin diseases and inflammations. You can also use them to ward off insects. Motherwort tincture is available in bottles between 10ml and 150ml.
When used for minor ailments such as occasional headaches or light menstrual cramps, the tea made from motherwort powder is best. Packs are available in shops from 100g.
| Application | Preparation |
|---|---|
| Migraine, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy | Capsules high dose |
| Back pain, skin disease, inflammation | Drops or ointment |
| Fever, menstrual cramps | Tea from powder or ground plant |
Dosage
The dosage of motherwort depends on your pain. If you suffer from severe, recurring headaches, the high-dose form of the tablets is recommended. These contain up to 380 mg of motherwort.
Most capsules contain 100 mg motherwort Tinctures or drops are solutions; the dosage is determined by the number of drops and can therefore be controlled individually. It is more difficult with motherwort tea made from powder.
Depending on the location, it contains different amounts of active ingredients. This is why the tea is best suited for occasional use. For particularly low dosages, there are also homeopathic motherwort preparations. In the form of globules or homeopathic drops, they represent a special form of dosage.
Herbal mixtures
The medicinal plant motherwort can be combined with other medicinal plants. Depending on the needs, the healing effects of the plants complement each other. Motherwort with magnesium is a dietary supplement that works prophylactically against migraine.
Willow bark as a natural base of aspirin can also be a good combination against headaches. Motherwort and ginger provide a sense of well-being and relieve minor everyday ailments. Ginger gives strength and energy. Motherwort in combination with butterbur supports weight reduction and is suitable as an accompaniment to diets. St. John’s wort and motherwort are the combination for mild depressive moods.
St. John’s wort provides a mood-lifting effect. Combined with lavender, motherwort is effective against annoying insects, and prophylactically as a tick repellent.
Manufacturer
There are several manufacturers of motherwort preparations on the market. For an overview, we have compiled the largest suppliers here. Hildegard von Bingen sells motherwort in the form of capsules, powder and drops. This manufacturer thus offers the most forms of application.
Dr. Böhm offers capsules in the common 100 mg dosage. Piping Rock is the supplier for high-dose capsules of 380 mg each. The capsules from Viridian contain 350 mg of motherwort. Combinations with other plants are available from Espara (motherwort with ginger), Now Foods (motherwort and butterbur), The Nutri Shop (motherwort and magnesium)
Price – performance ratio
For better comparability, we have compared motherwort capsules with each other here. We have omitted capsules with active ingredients from other plants from this comparison. If you want to take motherwort over a longer period of time, larger packages are recommended.
If you take it occasionally, you may only need a small pack.
| Manufacturer | Cost |
|---|---|
| Hildegard von Bingen | 90 pieces from €16.95 |
| The Nutri Shop | 150 pieces from €24.80 |
| Piping Rock | 180 pieces from €4.92 |
| Bioxera | 120 pieces from €17.61 |
| Dr. Böhm | 60 pieces from €19.80 |
Facts worth knowing about iron pans
How do I grow motherwort myself?
Feverfew can cope well with many local conditions in Europe and is therefore excellent to grow yourself. Sunny locations are ideal, then motherwort also grows in pots.
You can collect or buy seeds for sowing and grow them in a greenhouse from March to May. Feverfew plants prefer evenly moist soil and should be fertilised with standard flower fertiliser. Pruning is done after the first flowering, which stimulates growth.
Depending on the variety, motherwort is annual or perennial, so it can overwinter depending on the variety.
So overwintering as a seed is no problem. You can propagate the plant via seedlings and shoots.
How do I make ointments and tinctures from motherwort?
Making motherwort tinctures yourself has its own special charm. That is why we have researched the best way to do it.
- Cut flower heads and pour 40% seed over them. Make sure that all flowers are covered by the seed, otherwise there is a risk of mould.
- Leave in the sun for a few weeks, shake regularly.
- Strain the flowers and store the tincture in a dark bottle.
For the ointments, you make motherwort oil according to the same principle by letting the flower heads steep in the oil for a few weeks. This is then mixed with carnauba wax or beeswax until it becomes a creamy consistency.
How does motherwort affect the hormone balance?
Motherwort affects the serotonin balance. An excess of serotonin release is responsible for migraine. This is where motherwort intervenes in a regulating way. It is also assumed that motherwort has an effect on the body’s own production of melatonin.
How exactly this works, however, has not yet been researched. It is also certain that motherwort has an effect on the female hormone balance. It regulates the menstrual cycle, promotes labour and was therefore used in the past to facilitate childbirth. Unfortunately, there is no precise research on this yet either.
For this reason, you should never take motherwort during pregnancy!
What studies have been done on the effects of motherwort?
The fact that motherwort actually works has been proven in several studies. These were conducted as placebo-controlled double-blind studies. We have listed a few examples here:
- Johnson et al. 1985
- Murphy et al. 1988
- Palevitch et al. 1997
- Pfaffenrath et al. 2002
- Diener et al. 2005
Research is currently being done to see if motherwort can serve as the basis for a drug against leukaemia.
Image source: pixabay.com / couleur
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