Herbal Monograph: Artemisia vulgaris L.
Botanical Name
Artemisia vulgaris L.
Latin Name
Artemisia vulgaris L.
Plant or Common Name
Mugwort, Armoise [Fr.], Common Wormwood, Felon herb
Family:
Asteraceae
Native Region:
Artemisia vulgaris has a wide native distribution across:
• Europe
• Northern Africa
• Asia (including Siberia, Japan, and parts of China)
It has been naturalized in many other parts of the world, including:
• North America
• South America
• New Zealand
The plant is adaptable and can be found in various habitats, including:
• Waste places
• Roadsides
• River banks
• Coastal areas
• Disturbed soils
Chemical Constituents:
• Essential oils (1, 8cineole, camphor, α and βthujone)
• Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol)
• Coumarins
• Triterpenes
• Sesquiterpene lactones
• Polyacetylenes
• Phenolic acids
Actions:
• Emmenagogue
• Carminative
• Antispasmodic
• Nervine
• Mild sedative
• Bitter tonic
• Diaphoretic
• Diuretic
Energetics:
Warming and drying
Part of Plant Used:
Leaves, flowering tops, and occasionally roots
Harvesting Guidelines and any sustainability issues:
• Harvest leaves and flowering tops just before or at the beginning of flowering
• Cut stems about 6 inches from the top
• Sustainably abundant in most areas; can be invasive in some regions
Pliny the Elder ~ Plin. Nat. 26.13 ~ 77 CE
CHAP. 13.—THE PLANT CALLED BELLIS: TWO REMEDIES.
~ Bellis is the name of a plant that grows in the fields, with a white flower somewhat inclining to red; if this is applied with artemisia [mugwort], it is said, the remedy is still more efficacious. ~
Uses (Traditional, Modern, Scientific Research):
• Traditional: Menstrual irregularities, digestive issues, anxiety, insomnia
• Modern: Appetite stimulant, digestive aid, mild sedative
• Scientific Research: Potential antioxidant, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective properties; studies on effects on diabetes and obesity
Specific Indications or Affinities:
• Reproductive system (menstrual irregularities, menopausal symptoms)
• Digestive system (flatulence, indigestion, poor appetite)
• Nervous system (mild anxiety, insomnia)
Types of Preparations:
• Infusion (tea)
• Tincture
• Essential oil (diluted)
• Dried herb (smoking blend)
• Poultice
• Dream pillow
Recipes:
- Mugwort Tea: Steep 12 teaspoons of dried mugwort in a cup of boiling water for 1015 minutes. Strain and drink up to 3 times daily.
- Mugwort Dream Pillow: Fill a small cloth bag with dried mugwort leaves and place inside your pillowcase.
- Mugwort Tincture: Combine 1 part dried mugwort with 5 parts 40% alcohol. Macerate for 24 weeks, strain.
Contraindications:
• Pregnancy (due to emmenagogue effects)
• Breastfeeding
• Individuals with known allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family
• Epilepsy or seizure disorders
Side Effects:
• Generally safe when used in appropriate doses
• Potential for allergic reactions
• Large doses may cause nausea, vomiting, or headaches
• May cause vivid dreams or sleep disturbances
Interactions with Other Drugs:
• May interact with anticoagulant medications
• Potential interaction with diabetes medications
• May affect the metabolism of drugs processed by liver enzymes
Dosage:
• Tea: 12 teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water, up to 3 times daily
• Tincture: 24 mL of 1:5 tincture, up to 3 times daily
Mode of Administration:
• Internal: Tea, tincture
• External: Essential oil (diluted), poultice
• Aromatherapy: Dream pillow
Duration of Administration:
• Shortterm use (12 weeks) is generally recommended
• Longterm use should be under professional guidance
Safety/Risks:
• Contains thujone, which can be neurotoxic in large amounts
• Potential for allergic reactions
• May cause photosensitivity in some individuals
• Not recommended for longterm use without professional supervision
Return to: A Wise Woman’s Guide to Reducing Inflammation with Herbs, Foods, and Lifestyle
References:
Yarnell, E., & Abascal, K. (2011). “Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health.” Churchill Livingstone.
Bone, K., & Mills, S. (2013). Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Lee, S. J. et al. (2015). “Artemisia vulgaris and Its Dextrin Complex Prevent HighFat DietInduced Obesity and Insulin Resistance in C57BL/6J Mice.” Journal of Medicinal Food, 18(3), 337345.
Judžentienė, A., & Buzelytė, J. (2006). “Chemical composition of essential oils of Artemisia vulgaris L. (mugwort) from North Lithuania.” Chemija, 17(1), 1215.
Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. DK Publishing.
Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Healing Arts Press.