Mugwort

Latin name: Artemesia vulgaris

Family: Asterceae or aster family

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DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERISTICS 

Part of the Plant Used

Flowering tops, leaves, root.

Dating back as far as 3 BC, Mugwort is native to Europe, northern Africa and the United States. It’s considered a noxious weed in many places and the fact that it survives in the worst soil conditions says something for its benefits.

In small doses, mugwort may assist strengthening the digestive tract and the nervous system. The energetics of this plant are specific for coldness, stiffness and spasms which promote digestion, appetite and regular menstruation.

In Chinese medicine, mugwort is also used in moxibustion which utilizes the herb by burning it closely to the skin at acupuncture points to promote blood flow and pain relief among other benefits.

Organoleptics

TEXTURE + COLOR – Delicate, heavily forked but smooth green leaves, white clustered flowering tops and dark stems.

AROMA + FLAVOR – aromatic, spicy, bitter.

CONSTITUENTS

• Essential Oil
  • Linalool
  • 1,8-cineole
  • Beta-thujone
  • Borneol
  • Alpha-pinene
  • Beta-pinene
• Sesquiterpene lactones (Vulgarin)
• Flavonoids
• Coumarin derivatives
• Triterpenes

THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

• Vermifuge
• Bitter tonic
• Anti-bacterial
• Anti-fungal
• Emmenagogue
• Abortifacient
• Antioxidant
• Mild Nervine

Clinical Indications: 

• Excessive menstrual flow.
  • Warms womb to soothe cramping and slow release of blood.
  • Assists in balancing flow to a normal rhythm.
• Liver tonic.
• Appetite stimulant.
• Expelling/prevention of parasites and worms.
• Wash or liniment for itching skin.
• Promoting lucid dreams and deep sleep.
• Depression.
• Anxiety with tension.

Folk: anemia, arthritis, gastritis, gout, intestinal inflammation, irritable bowel syndrome, kidney stones, lack of menstruation, stress, moth and insect repellent.

Energetics: bitter, acrid, lightly warm.

Meridian/Organ Affinity: Spleen, Liver, Kidney.

HERB-DRUG INTERACTIONS

Contraindicated in pregnancy due to abortifacient effects. Not recommended for use children or adults longer than 10 day intervals. May be potential allergenic to those struggling with plants in the Asterceae family.

Dosage

INFUSION: 1-2 teaspoons dry herb in one cup of boiling water. Infuse covered for 10-15 minutes. Drink up to three times daily. Sweeten if desired.

LIQUID EXTRACT: 0.5 to 2 ml of fluid extract (1:1 in 25%) three times daily.

TINCTURE: 1 to 4 ml up to three times daily.

CAPSULES: 0.5 to 3 g dried herb up to three times daily

Combinations: 

• Rolled and wrapped with tissue, burned at one end and held near location of pain. Very effective for injuries or bruises.
• Effective for air purification through smudging.
• Blends well with sage, thuja (cedar) and osha root.

Often confused with Ragweed. Be sure to identify appropriately if foraging wild materials.

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