Artemisia vulgaris

Common Name: Mugwort

Family: Asteraceae (Aster family)

Parts used: Aerial, flowering tops

Constituents: Volatile oil (linalool, thujone, 1,8-cineole, camphor, borneol, pinene), sesquiterpene lactones (vulgarin), coumarins, flavonoids, polyacetylenes, phytosterols, carotenoids, glycoproteins, etc.

Taste/smell: Aromatic, bitter, spicy

Tendencies: Warming

Actions

• Bitter tonic

• Digestive stimulant

• Mild choleretic

• Antispasmodic

• Stimulant nervine

• Antibacterial

• Antifungal

• Emmenagogue (stimulates or increases menstrual flow)

• Abortifacient (induces abortion)

• Antiparasitic/Anthelmintic/Vermifuge

Uses

• Non-ulcer dyspepsia (indigestion or maldigestion) with flatulence, burping, heartburn, minor cramps, etc.

• Biliary insufficiency

• Biliary dyskinesia

• Loss of appetite

• Anorexia

• Gas

• Atonic constipation

• Hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid)

• Depression and tension

• Amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea

Dosage

• Tincture (1:1, 25%): 10-50 drops (0.5-2 mL) TID

• Tea infusion: 1 tbsp per cup

• Capsules: 0.5-2 g of dried herb TID

Mental Picture and Specific Indications

• In small doses, mugwort strengthens the digestive and nervous system

• Specific for coldness, stiffness, and spasms

Contraindications

• Pregnancy due to its emmenagogue, uterine stimulant, abortifacient, and/or teratogenic effects

• Lactation

• Large internal doses

• Chronic use

• Active duodenal ulcers

• Gastritis

• Hyperchlorhydria

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Biliary obstruction

• Acute diarrhea

• Acute cholelithiasis

• Allergic hypersensitivity to Asteraceae family (i.e. arnica, chamomile, feverfew, ragweed, tansy, yarrow)

Adverse Effects

• In large doses, it causes gastrointestinal irritations with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Toxicity

• High doses may interfere with the absorption of nutrients

Interactions

• None