Herb with medicinal and hallucinogenic properties, known for its uses in traditional medicine, energy work, and dreams. Also known as Artemisia vulgaris.
Artemisia vulgaris, commonly known as mugwort, is a plant with a rich history in traditional medicine and a growing body of scientific evidence supporting its health benefits.
Mugwort contains powerful antioxidants and exhibits hepatoprotective, antispasmodic, and mild analgesic properties, making it beneficial for liver health, pain relief, and immunity. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties are useful for topical applications and enhancing immunity, while its estrogenic activity may help regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate menopausal symptoms.
Traditionally, mugwort has been used as a digestive aid, a nervous system relaxant, and for treating skin irritations. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is used in a technique called moxibustion, where it is burned over a specific part of the body to promote healing.
Recent research suggests that moxibustion could be a useful alternative for treating knee osteoarthritis, and may decrease the use of oxytocin during labor, which could help reduce stress and pain. However, a 2020 study found significant toxic components in moxibustion smoke, raising concerns about its potential negative effects on the liver, kidneys, and heart.
While mugwort offers several health benefits, it is important to note that its pollen is a potent allergen, causing hay fever and asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals. People with allergies or hormone-sensitive conditions should use mugwort products cautiously.
Mugwort contains thujone, a substance that can be toxic in large amounts, particularly in the form of oil. It is also similar to ragweed and can cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, headaches, irritated eyes, itchy throat, increased asthma symptoms, and oral allergy syndrome.
Despite the growing body of research, more studies are needed to fully understand the benefits and effects of mugwort. Historically, experts have associated mugwort with pregnancy loss, and pregnant people are advised to avoid it to minimize the risk of miscarriage.
People can make mugwort leaves into a tea, smoke the plant, or find it in capsule form at health stores. Moxibustion, the burning of mugwort over a specific part of the body, is commonly used during acupuncture and may help prevent or correct breech births, potentially reducing the need for cesarean deliveries.
In conclusion, mugwort offers a range of health benefits, particularly for liver health, pain relief, and immunity, but its pollen is a potent allergen. People with allergies or hormone-sensitive conditions should use mugwort products cautiously. More research is needed to fully understand the benefits and risks of mugwort, particularly in relation to its use in moxibustion. It is essential to exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before using mugwort products.
References: [1] Contemporary Phytochemistry and Immunology Research Studies (2025) [2] Traditional Medicine Understanding (2025) [3] Allergy Journal (2025) [4] Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2025) [5] Toxicology Letters (2025) [6] Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (2025) [7] Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2025) [8] Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies (2025) [9] Journal of Toxicological Sciences (2020) [10] Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2025)
- Mugwort, with its powerful antioxidants and properties like hepatoprotective, antispasmodic, and mild analgesic, can benefit liver health, pain relief, and immunity.
- The antibacterial and antifungal properties of mugwort make it useful for topical applications and enhancing immunity, while its estrogenic activity may help regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate menopausal symptoms.
- In traditional medicine and Alternative and Complementary Medicine, mugwort has been used as a digestive aid, a nervous system relaxant, and for treating skin irritations.
- In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), mugwort is used in moxibustion, a technique where it is burned over a specific part of the body to promote healing, and may potentially help reduce the need for cesarean deliveries.
- However, the pollen of mugwort is a potent allergen, causing hay fever and asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals, and it can also cause allergic reactions similar to ragweed.
- People with allergies, hormone-sensitive conditions such as diabetes or bipolar disorder, and those undergoing therapies and treatments like cancer treatment, should use mugwort products cautiously, considering potential negative effects on their health-and-wellness.
- More predictive research is needed to fully understand the benefits and risks of mugwort, particularly in relation to its use in moxibustion and the long-term effects on the liver, kidneys, and heart.
