Medicinal Plants : Artemisia vulgaris

Name

Mugwort

Biological Name

Artemisia vulgaris
Compositae

Other Names

Mugwort, common mugwort, sailor's tobacco, felon herb

Parts Used

Leaves or root

Active Compounds

Volatile oil, containing linlool, l,8-cineole, b-thujone, borneol, a- and b- pinene, nerol, neryl acetate, linalul acetate, myrcene, vulgarole, a-, b- and g-cadinol, cadinenol, muurolol, spathulenol and others.

Vulgarin, a sesquiterpene lactone

Flavonoids; quercitin -3-rhamnoglucoside and 5,3-dihydroxy-3,7,4- trimethoxyflavone

Coumarin derivatives; 7,8-methylendioxy-9-methoxycoumarin

Triterpenes such as 3 b-hydroxurs-l2-en 27,28-dionic acid, b-amyrin, b-sitosterol.

Remedies For

Bitter tonic, stimulant, nervine tonic, emmenagogue, laxative, diaphoretic

Mugwort can be used wherever a digestive stimulant is called for. It will aid the digestion through the bitter stimulation of the juices whilst also providing a carminative oil. It has a mildly nervine action in aiding depression and easing tension, which appears to be due to the volatile oil, so it is essential that this is not lost in preparation. Mugwort may also be used as an emmenagogue in the aiding of normal menstrual flow.

Combinations : May be used widely where a bitter action is needed.

Dosage

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1-2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes in a covered container. This should be drunk three times a day. Mugwort is used as a flavoring in a number of aperitif drinks.

Tincture: take l-4ml of the tincture three times a day.

Safety

Some herbs are known to react with your medication. Please consult your physician before starting on any herb.