Heartwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

Other names: beetle, heart-leaved dogwood, Leonurus vulgaris, Leonurus villosus, Leonurus intermedius, Leonurus quinquelobatus

Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)

Leonurus cardiaca, which is also known in Czech under the names Leonurus cardiaca, Leonurus cardiaca, Leonurus vulgaris, Leonurus villosus, Leonurus intermedius, Leonurus quinquelobatus, is a perennial herb that belongs to the broad family of the deaf-loving plants. Originally native to Asia and south-eastern Europe, this plant is now widespread throughout the world, including the Czech Republic. It is characterised by its simple, branching stem, which can reach heights of up to 150 cm, and its small, pink flowers, which form dense, spike-like inflorescences.

In addition to its ornamental role, it is also used in industry and medicine. It is a valued herb used in herbalism, particularly for its effects on the heart and nervous system. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is added to herbal medicines to promote cardiac function and to calm. It is also an important ingredient in some tea blends for its calming effects. Its use in the kitchen is also notable. The young leaves can be used as an ingredient in vegetable salads, while the flowers and leaves can be made into an aromatic syrup or tincture. Thanks to its specific aroma, the heartwort is also added to some types of liqueurs. Finally, in the cosmetics industry, the heartwort is used in some creams and oils for its antioxidant properties.