This herb is related to ragweed. While it has had many uses in Chinese and European medicine throughout history, it has no proven modern scientific benefits for health.

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When you hear about the medicinal plant “mugwort,” you may think of a potion ingredient from a “Harry Potter” novel.

Mugwort is a weed-like plant with roots in ancient Chinese and European medicine. During the Middle Ages, people called it the “mother of herbs.” Although it’s still in use today as an herb or medicinal ingredient, mugwort is much less common.

You may recognize it as a yellow dye, insect repellant, or ingredient in certain food dishes that date back centuries.

There is no scientific evidence that mugwort is beneficial to your health when used in a medicinal capacity, despite claims that it can ward off cancer, treat flatulence, or treat infertility. As it’s related to ragweed and part of the daisy family, this noxious weed may cause allergies similar to ragweed that affect your health and daily life.

Also known as Artemisia vulgaris, mugwort is native to Asia and Europe. It can reach up to 6 feet in height and has yellow or reddish-brown flowers in the summer. Its leaves have a silvery fuzz on their underside, and it has a sage-like smell and slightly bitter taste.

Roman soldiers would put mugwort in their sandals before marching to ward off fatigue. It was also thought to protect people from wild animals and evil spirits. People placed it under their pillows to induce vivid dreams and planted it around their houses and gardens to repel moths.

Across the world, people have long claimed that this medicinal plant has many benefits for your health. These may include:

  • antimalarial effects
  • anti-inflammatory effects
  • antihypertensive effects
  • antioxidant effects
  • antitumoral effects
  • immune system benefits
  • hepatoprotective effects (preventing liver damage)
  • antispasmolytic effects (helping prevent muscle spasms)
  • antiseptic effects

Importantly, this 2018 research points out that any of the above-mentioned benefits were mainly tied to other secondary metabolites, ranging from flavonoids, organic acids, and other compounds.

While mugwort is not commonly used in modern Western medicine, its aroma and bitter taste lead some people to use it to help release digestive juices and treat appetite loss, gastritis, flatulence, and low stomach acid.

Your healthcare team can help you understand what medicines, herbs, supplements, or other treatments might be best to help with any health conditions or concerns you have.

Menstrual health, cramping, developing baby

Some believe mugwort can also be used to help treat irregular menstrual cycles and menopausal symptoms. In the past, people used mugwort to induce abortion. Anyone who is pregnant and breastfeeding is advised to avoid the herb because of this potential risk.

In traditional Asian medicine, practitioners use mugwort or wormwood in a process called moxibustion. Mugwort or wormwood leaves are formed into sticks or cones about the size and shape of a cigar and then burned on or over an acupuncture point to release energy.

Moxibustion is also used to treat menstrual cramping and help a baby in the breech position turn. According to this study, the practice does appear to increase fetal movements, helping the baby turn to a normal head-down, or cephalic, position. However, the authors conclude that more research is necessary to determine moxibustion’s real effectiveness.

Other ancient uses

In European and herbal practices, people have used mugwort to treat stomach and intestinal problems such as:

  • colic
  • gas
  • diarrhea
  • constipation

It was also used to ease:

  • headaches
  • nosebleeds
  • chills
  • fever
  • nerve problems
  • insomnia

These herbal and ancient medicinal claims are not based on modern research.

Mugwort may cause allergic reactions leading to sneezing and sinus-related symptoms, and it can cause contact dermatitis, or rashes, in some people.

Mugwort is available in the following forms:

  • dried leaves
  • extracts
  • tinctures
  • teas
  • pills

You can discuss supplements and different forms of mugwort with your healthcare team.

Mugwort has been used for its medicinal properties and in food for thousands of years.

Although more research is necessary, studies show that moxibustion can benefit the nervous system and help with breech births. It’s also used to relieve menstrual cramps, stimulate the menstrual cycle, and treat various gastrointestinal issues.

Since mugworm is part of the daisy family and related to ragweed, you may experience allergies to this perennial plant.

You should always consult your healthcare team before taking any supplements or consuming any plants or herbs that may affect your health. They can help guide you through any health conditions or concerns and determine what may be best for you.