Artemisia vulgaris
Artemisia vulgaris Common name: Mugwort, Wild Wormwood
Family: Asteraceae
Part used: Dried herb (whole plant)
Constituents: Volatile oil (thujone, borneol, cineole, pinene), sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, coumarins, bitter principl e, tannins
Actions: Nervous system tonic, diaphoretic, anthelmintic, bitter, digestive, choleretic, emmenagogue, diuretic
Medical uses: As a bitter, mugwort may be used wherever digestive stimulation is needed. However, the herb supports digestion not only through bitter stimulation, but also through carminative actions conferred by the volatile oils it contains. In addition is has a mild nervine action, which also appears to be related to the volatile oil content, that may help ease depression and tension. It is specific for dysmenorrhea and functional amenorrhea and promotes normal menstrual flow. Is milder in action than most Artemisia sp.
Pharmacology:
- Volatile oils (thujone, borneol, cineole, pinene) are carminative, antispasmodic, and nervine tonic.
Pharmacy: Tincture: (1:1, 25%), 0.5-2ml TID. Infusion: 1 tbsp/cup, TID. Capsules: 0.5-2g dried herb TID.
Toxicity: High doses may interfere with absorption of nutrients. Is potentially allergenic to people sensitive to plants of the Asteraceae family.
Contraindications: Pregnancy & Lactation.
Interactions: None known.
