Mugwort
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)
Brief Background:
Mugwort is a perennial herb native to Africa and, Asia. It pollinates mainly from July to September, although it may flower throughout the year, depending on the climate.
Mugwort has been traditionally used for gastrointestinal and menstrual complaints.
Expert Opinion and Folkloric Precedent: Traditionally, mugwort was believed to provide protection from fatigue, sunstroke, and wild animals.
The Chinese have used dried mugwort leaves (moxa) in moxibustion for centuries. Moxibustion is a method of heating specific acupuncture points on the body to treat physical conditions. Mugwort is carefully harvested, dried and aged, and then shaped into a cigar-like roll. This “moxa” is burned close to the skin to heat the specific pressure points.
Mugwort leaf and stem have been used medicinally as a digestive stimulant and as an emmenagogue. The nervine action of mugwort is thought to aid in depression and ease tension.
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