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 principle, 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.