Mugwort, what is it and what is it good for?

For thousands of years, mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) has been one of the most respected herbs in traditional medicine across Europe, Asia, and North America. Known as the “dream herb,” “motherwort,” or “the traveler’s protection plant,” mugwort offers spiritual lore and research-backed health benefits. Today, mugwort is making a comeback in herbal wellness as teas, tinctures, aromatherapy, and menstrual health remedies, just to name a few.
Mugwort contains several bioactive compounds that contribute to its health effects. Artemisinin & artemisinin derivatives are antimicrobial and antiparasitic. Camphor & cineole are anti-inflammatory and provide respiratory relief. Flavonoids like quercetin, luteolin, and apigenin are neuroprotective antioxidants. Thujone is a nervine stimulant in small amounts, but dangerous in higher amounts. Coumarins provide circulatory support and also act as a mild sedative. Essential oils like α- and β-pinene provide a calming and mood-enhancing effect. These various compounds give mugwort the following therapeutic effects.
Digestive Support: Traditionally, mugwort has been used as a bitter tonic to stimulate digestion and bile flow. It helps to relieve bloating, gas, and sluggish digestion, especially after heavy meals. The volatile oils encourage gastric secretions, which promote smoother digestion and reduce discomfort.
Menstrual Health & Hormonal Balance: Herbalists often call mugwort a “women’s herb.” It’s been used to regulate menstrual cycles, ease cramps, and stimulate delayed menstruation since antiquity. Mugwort is an emmenagogue, meaning that it promotes blood flow to the pelvic area and can bring on menses. Pregnant women should consult with a medical professional if they want to use mugwort during pregnancy, as the wrong dosage might cause a miscarriage due to its ability to stimulate uterine contractions.
Nervous System & Stress Relief: The flavonoids and volatile oils in mugwort have mild sedative effects and reduce anxiety. Drinking mugwort tea or using it in aromatherapy may help with stress, tension, and sleep disturbances. Some traditions also use mugwort under pillows or as incense to enhance vivid dreams and emotional clarity.
Antimicrobial & Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Research confirms that mugwort’s essential oils possess antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. This helps to protect against infections and oxidative stress. This may support skin health when mugwort is used in balms or infused oils.
Circulatory & Musculoskeletal Benefits: Mugwort has warming and stimulating effects on circulation. This can aid in easing joint stiffness, arthritis, and muscle fatigue. Traditional moxibustion therapy (used in Traditional Chinese Medicine) involves burning dried mugwort cones near acupuncture points to enhance blood flow and relieve pain.
Respiratory Health: The camphor and cineole content in mugwort make it beneficial for respiratory conditions. It can help open the airways and reduce congestion, similar to eucalyptus.
Although mugwort has many benefits, it must be used responsibly and with caution. Avoid using mugwort if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, due to uterine-stimulating compounds like thujone. Avoid if you are allergic to ragweed, daisies, or chrysanthemums as it is in the same family. Avoid if you are epileptic or sensitive to thujone, which can be neurotoxic in large amounts.
If you choose to try mugwort, the following preparations are generally recognized as safe as long as you are not in one of the categories mentioned above, however; try at your own risk.
• Mugwort tea: 1 tsp dried leaves per cup of hot water, steep for 5 to 10 minutes, and no more than 1 to 2 cups per day.
• Mugwort essential oil: Never ingest mugwort oil. Use it only for aromatherapy and dilute it before applying topically.
• Mugwort moxa or smudge: Used for energetic cleansing or pain relief, particularly in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine.
Mugwort is a powerful ally for physical and emotional wellness. The traditional remedies from folk medicine have been verified by modern science. With mindful use and proper precautions, mugwort can be beneficial to both body and mind.
Remember, always consult with a healthcare provider or certified herbalist before using mugwort medicinally, especially if you take prescription medications, have liver issue, or have any other pre-existing conditions.