Yi Mu Cao - Chinese motherwort aboveground parts - Leonurus japonicus

Yi Mu Cao, also known as Leonurus japonicus or Chinese Motherwort, is a bitter, slightly acrid, and slightly cold herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to invigorate blood, regulate menstruation, and promote urination. It is particularly valued in gynecological disorders involving blood stasis, such as irregular menstruation, postpartum abdominal pain, and amenorrhea. It is also used in modern herbal medicine to support cardiovascular and urinary health.

Functions & Benefits

Invigorates Blood & Regulates Menstruation
Yi Mu Cao is commonly used in gynecological conditions where blood stasis is present. It helps to promote smooth menstrual flow and relieve abdominal pain, especially when associated with delayed or scanty periods, postpartum pain, or retained lochia.

Promotes Urination & Reduces Swelling
This herb also acts as a mild diuretic, helping to treat edema and urinary difficulty due to damp-heat or blood stasis. It is especially useful when swelling is associated with menstrual or postpartum disorders.

Clears Heat & Resolves Toxicity
Yi Mu Cao has a cooling nature that allows it to treat heat-related toxic sores, abscesses, and swollen lesions. It is sometimes applied topically or taken internally to reduce inflammation and resolve carbuncles.

Supports Cardiovascular Health
In modern herbal medicine, Yi Mu Cao is recognized for its cardiovascular benefits, including improving circulation, reducing blood viscosity, and supporting heart health.

Indications

Irregular menstruation, delayed periods, or scanty flow due to blood stasis.
Postpartum abdominal pain or retained lochia.
Amenorrhea or dysmenorrhea with signs of blood stagnation.
Edema or urinary difficulty related to blood stasis or damp-heat.
Inflammatory skin conditions, sores, or swelling due to heat toxins.
Supportive therapy for mild hypertension or poor peripheral circulation.

Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM

Tongue: Dark or purplish with possible stasis spots and a thin coating, indicating blood stagnation.
Pulse: Wiry, choppy, or rapid, often associated with blood stasis or heat.

Common TCM Patterns Treated by Yi Mu Cao

Yi Mu Cao is used for Blood Stasis in the uterus, Postpartum Blood Stagnation, Damp-Heat-induced urinary difficulty, and Toxic Heat with swelling. These patterns typically involve menstrual irregularities, lower abdominal pain, urinary discomfort, or localized inflammation.

Precautions & Contraindications

Contraindicated during pregnancy due to its strong blood-moving properties.
Use with caution in patients with heavy menstrual bleeding or those who are weak and deficient.
Not suitable for long-term use in individuals with Yin or Blood Deficiency without stasis.

Conclusion

Yi Mu Cao is an essential herb in TCM gynecology for moving blood, regulating menstruation, and promoting postpartum recovery. Its secondary actions on urination and inflammation also make it useful for urinary disorders and toxic swellings. With a long history of use, it remains a foundational herb for treating blood stasis in women’s health.