Mugwort essential oil is extracted by the steam distillation of flowers and leaves of the Artemisia vulgaris plant. The oil was produced in Germany, France, and the Far East. Mugwort is a dark green shrub that is related to absinthe wormwood. It is used as a liquid dream pillow by shamans. This essential oil is used to ease inflammation and pain, menstrual complaints, and treat parasites. Mugwort is a perennial plant which is inherent to North Africa, Europe, Alaska, and Asia. It has feathery and dark green leaves and yellow to dark red flowers. Botanically, this plant is called Artemisia vulgaris. This essential oil possesses diaphoretic, gastric stimulant, emenagogue, and anti-inflammatory properties. It promotes the menstrual flow. Other names for this essential oil are Cornewort oil and Sagewort oil. Alpha thujone, cineole, beta thujone, camphene, and camphene are the various components of Mugwort essential oil.

Mugwort has a fresh and green aroma. It is often associated with meditation and dreaming. When diffused, it promotes a calming, tranquil feel and soothing, peaceful feelings. In Ayurvedic medicine, Mugwort is said to be helpful for feelings of unease and with acupuncture, help build and strengthen chi.

Mugwort essential oil facts

Mugwort essential oil is used as a treatment for dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea. It is used to enhance memory and concentration when combined with the essential oils of sage and rosemary. Besides its health benefits, this oil is considered to be irritant, toxic, abortifacient and neuro-toxic. It has harmful effects on nervous system and brain and also results in arbortions so it is not recommended for pregnant women.

History

The plant was originated in Morocco. This herb has red to purple stems and dark green leaves. The flowers bloom in summer. Traditionally, it was used to prevent danger and evil. The dried and compressed leaves of Mugwort were used in Chinese medicine to warm the skin in case of internal cold. It acts as a diuretic, digestive stimulant, and nerve tonic. Mugwort is also used for dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea.

Species

Species in the genus Artemisia called mugwort include:

• Artemisia absinthium – wormwood, traditionally used in the production of Absinthe.
• Artemisia argyi – Chinese mugwort, used in traditional Chinese medicine
• Artemisia douglasiana – Douglas mugwort or California mugwort, native to western North America
• Artemisia glacialis – alpine mugwort
• Artemisia indica – Oriental mugwort
• Artemisia japonica – Japanese mugwort
• Artemisia lactiflora – White mugwort
• Artemisia norvegica – Norwegian mugwort
• Artemisia princeps – Korean mugwort (ssuk), Japanese mugwort (yomogi), used as a culinary herb and in traditional Chinese medicine.
• Artemisia stelleriana – hoary mugwort
• Artemisia verlotiorum – Chinese mugwort
• Artemisia vulgaris – common mugwort, used as a culinary herb and medicinally throughout the world

The chemical composition

The chemical composition of wild-growing A. vulgaris in Erie, Pennsylvania showed no thujone. Gas chromatographic-mass spectral (GCMS) analysis of the leaf showed:

• Germacrene D (25%)
• Caryophyllene (20%)
• alpha-Zingiberene (15%)
• and Borneol (11%).

GCMS analysis of the buds included:

• 1,8-Cineole (32%)
• Camphor (16%)
• Borneol (9%)
• and Caryophyllene (5%).

The tests also found trans-2-Hexenal. This and alpha-Zingiberene have not previously been found in the plant from any other part of the world. [rx]

Mugwort essential oil blends well with cedarwoods, clary sage (Salvia sclarea), lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia), patchouli (Pogostemon cablin), pines, oakmoss (Evernia prunastri), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinale), and sage (Salvia officinalis).

Health Benefits of Mugwort essential oil

Due to its medicinal properties, Mugwort essential oil is used as a treatment for various health ailments. In various European countries, it is used as black magic and witchcraft. The essential oil is derived from the steam distillation of buds, leaves, and flowering tops.

Calm attacks

Mugwort essential oil has relaxing and soothing effects on the nervous system and brain that helps to calm hysteric and epileptic attack. It is also used to cure hysteria and epilepsy.

Regular menstruation

It could restart the blocked menstruations by making it regular. Moreover, problems related to periods such as headache, fatigue, nausea, and abdominal pain could be encountered by this oil. It also prevents untimely menopause.

Counteract infections

Mugwort essential oil has a warming effect on the body that helps to counter the effects of moisture in air and the effects of cold temperatures. It also counteracts infections.

Digestive ailments

Mugwort essential oil helps to cure digestive problems. It stimulates the digestive flow of juices to promote digestion by inhibiting microbial infections in the stomach as well as intestines to treat digestive problems. The Essential Oil of Mugwort is very efficient in curing digestive disorders that result from an abnormal flow of digestive juices or microbial infections. It regulates or stimulates the flow of digestive juices to facilitate digestion, along with inhibiting microbial infections in the stomach and the intestines to cure digestive disorders.

Eliminate toxins

It is helpful for people with water accumulation in the body and chronic renal failure, obesity, hypertension, arthritis, rheumatism and gout. It promotes urination being a diuretic that helps to eliminate excess salts, water, toxins, and fat. It also stimulates digestion and enhances appetite.

Nerve health

Mugwort essential oil acts as a tonic for nerves by treating nervous disorders and also strengthens nerves. Being a stimulant and relaxant, it soothes and relaxes nerves in case of hyperreactivity and shock.

Promote circulation

Mugwort essential oil enhances bodily functions such as secretion of enzymes, hormones, circulation, brain neurons, stimulates nervous responses, respiration, palpitations, menstrual discharge, the peristaltic motion of intestines, and milk secretion and production in the breast.

Uterus health

This essential oil helps to maintain the uterus health. It assists in the discharge of the uterine and promotes the production of hormones that supports the function of the uterus.

Eliminate worms

Mugwort essential oil helps to destroy intestinal worms due to its toxicity nature. It effectively eliminates tapeworms and roundworms. It obstructs the body in the absorption of nutrients that makes the body weak. This oil helps to reestablish the normal growth pattern.

Anti-hysteric

A study published in the journal Oncotarget in 2017 notes the use of mugwort for treating epilepsy in traditional herbal medicine in the United States. The soothing and relaxing effects of this oil on the brain and the nervous system make it calm down epileptic and hysteric attacks when they occur, while in the long run, it can even cure epilepsy and hysteria to a great extent. ^[rx]

Emmenagogue

Blocked menstruations can be restarted with the help of this essential oil and can be made regular. Furthermore, other problems associated with periods, such as fatigue, headache, abdominal pains, and nausea can also be tackled with the help of this oil. This essential oil can also help avoid early or untimely menopause.

In the book The Western Herbal Tradition: 2000 Years of Medicinal Plant Knowledge, the authors mention that mugwort was traditionally used for delayed menstruation and pre-menstrual syndrome. ^[rx]

Cordial

This oil has a warming effect on the body, which can be used to counter the effects of cold temperatures and moisture in the air. It also helps to fight infections.

Diuretic

This property may be a great help for those who are suffering from chronic renal failure and an accumulation of water in the body or those who are suffering from renal calculi, obesity, hypertension, and symptoms associated with the accumulation of toxins in the body, such as rheumatism, arthritis, and gout. Being a diuretic, mugwort essential oil increases urination, both in frequency and quantity, which helps remove excess water, salts, fat (urine contains fats up to 4% of the total urine), and toxins like uric acid. This gives effective protection from the symptoms discussed above and makes the body feel lighter. This also facilitates digestion and increases appetite.

Nervine

This oil acts as a tonic for the nerves. It is effective in treating nervous afflictions and disorders, as well as in strengthening the nerves. Being a relaxant and a stimulant at the same time, this essential oil sedates the nerves’ afflictions and relaxes them in cases of shock or hyper-reactivity, while also stimulating them to make us more active and alert.

Stimulant

The effect of a stimulant can be seen on all the organs and the systems functioning in the body. Mugwort essential oil stimulates almost all the functions in the body, including circulation, the secretion of hormones and enzymes from endocrinal glands, the discharge of bile and other gastric juices into the stomach, the stimulation of nervous responses, neurons in the brain, palpitations, respiration, peristaltic motion of the intestines, menstrual discharges and the production and secretion of milk in the breasts. Many of these effects are due to their stimulating effects on certain hormones that regulate bodily functions.

Uterine

This oil maintains the proper health of the uterus. It maintains proper uterine discharges and stimulates the production of certain hormones that keep the uterus functioning properly and safe from the effects of aging. It also protects you from uterine ulcers and tumors.

Vermifuge

The Essential Oil of Mugwort kills intestinal worms due to its toxic nature, but it should be administered in very mild doses to children. It is effective on both roundworms and tapeworms. Worms hinder normal growth and the absorption of nutrients in the body, making the body weak. Mugwort Oil can re-establish a normal growth pattern and bring strength back to the body by eliminating these worms. ^[rx]

Promotes Detoxification

Being a diuretic, mugwort oil helps to remove the accumulation of harmful substances, such as urea, uric acid, excess salts, fats, and water, through increased urination. As such, your body will be rid of toxic substances and cleansed, ensuring the smooth functioning of your vital organs, especially the liver and kidneys since it helps in the detoxification process.

Furthermore, this property makes it very useful for those who are suffering from obesity, hypertension, and even rheumatism, arthritis as well as gout since these conditions are brought about by the increased accumulation of toxins in the body. Detoxifying, it can also help to lower blood pressure levels and increase appetite levels. You can add a few drops of the oil into your warm, bathing water and soak inside for a few minutes to promote detoxification.

Effective Stimulant

Mugwort essential oil is an efficient stimulant, as it stimulates practically all the systems in the body, from the circulatory system to the endocrine system as it induces the secretion of hormones and enzymes.

Additionally, it stimulates the secretion of bile and digestive juices as well as the peristaltic movement of the intestines as abovementioned and maintains a swift nervous system response. Since it can induce proper and regular menstrual cycles, it also stimulates menstrual discharges which keeps your reproductive system healthy and functioning!

As such, the essential oil of mugwort helps to promote the smooth functioning of the body by ensuring that all the bodily processes and systems are working properly and orderly, thus keeping the overall health of your body in healthy shape!

Improve Breathing

Respiratory conditions can be caused by a number of things such as asthma or allergies. This results in coughing or issues with breathing. Mugwort has been shown to help dilate the bronchial pathways, making it easier to breathe. It also helps control inflammation that may follow on the heels of irritants in the lungs. Using this oil may help control coughing which is the result of chronic breathing issues or even temporary conditions such as a cold or flu. (3)

Diffuse mugwort in your home can help controlling breathing issues. Anti-microbial properties may also help control airborne irritants such as mold or bacteria. It may also be beneficial to add the oil to a carrier oil and apply to the skin of the chest to reduce inflammation in the airways.

Improve Liver Health

The liver is vital for many functions in the body, including, but not limited to, the body’s ability to process food properly. Some metabolic disorders may be due to liver issues or even diseases such as hepatitis that directly affect the cells of the liver. Mugwort’s properties have been shown to protect the cells of the liver as well as reduce inflammation that may cause issues with the production or use of needed chemicals in body processes. It may even improve function for livers that have been damaged by disease and protect the cells from further damage with antioxidant activity. (4) Combine a couple of mugwort drops with a carrier oil to create a topical application. Apply this to the skin above the liver to allow the body to absorb the oil.

It Delays Aging Process

Aging is nothing less than a nightmare. Most people are also stressed over premature aging which solely happens due to inappropriate diet. This is where Mugwort oil comes to the rescue; you can add it to your beauty regime while you are still young and can delay your aging process. It is a natural moisturizer and goes deep into your skin which delays the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles making your skin smooth and baby-soft.

For Intestinal Problems

Intestinal worms are utterly dangerous to your overall well-being. You need to treat them before they start affecting your body organs. Incorporating Mugwort oil can kill intestinal worms due to its toxic nature without damaging your body. It then allows absorption of nutrients which intestinal worms impede making your body drained.

Attacking Cancerous Cells and Malaria

Completed and current ongoing studies on the possible uses of mugwort indicate that links to the fundamental component of the plant, artemisinins, as being toxic to certain cancer cells. Relatedly, mugwort is a naturally occurring anti-malarial.

As scientists have continued to study the components that affect malaria, they’ve found links to artemisinins targeting mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and the lysosome. Cancer cells contain a higher level of iron than healthy cells do, which in turn, makes them more susceptible to the toxicity in artemisinin.

In one study, scientists paired the iron-heavy cancerous cells with the artemisinin. Once the combination was inside the cells, the result was enhanced toxicity — which means, more potential killing capacity towards cancer. In the exact words of the hypothesis: “This tagged-compound could potentially develop into an effective chemotherapeutic agent for cancer treatment.” (12) While this isn’t a proven method for treating cancer yet, it’s certainly something to be on the lookout for as the results of more studies and research unfold. (13)

Reversing Breech Birth Position

In most cases, when a baby is just a few weeks shy of entering the world, the head of the baby will naturally begin moving toward the birth canal to prepare for delivery. But in approximately 1 out of every 25 full-term births, that does not happen. This is called a breech birth. (6)

Ancient Chinese medicine started using a method called moxibustion as a natural solution to this dangerous situation. So what is moxibustion? The leaves of the mugwort plant are formed into a short stick or cone and burned over the points of acupuncture, which inhibits the release of energy and circulates blood by creating a warming effect on the acupuncture site.

When moxibustion is being used to reverse a fetus in the breech, the procedure stimulates a specific acupuncture point, BL67, located near the toenail of the fifth toe, creating blood circulation and energy that result in an increase in fetal movements. According to a study by the Journal of the American Medical Association, 75 percent of 130 fetuses reversed positions after the mother was treated with moxibustion. (7)

Helps Manage Epilepsy And Hysteria

Mugwort essential oil relaxes both the nervous system and the brain, so it can help reduce epileptic attacks and hysteria when they occur. When taken for a long time, it may even be able to provide a cure for hysteria and epilepsy for the most part. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that often causes unprovoked and recurring seizures.

When most people think about epilepsy or hysteria, they perceive that they are the same condition; however, epilepsy is the scientific term, and hysteria is a more colloquial term. Actually, there is a significant difference between these two conditions in that hysteria affects adults and not children, but epilepsy affects both children and adults. Hysteria involves the imagination, and the fear is often associated with a particular part of the body; the imagination can have a strong and very powerful effect on the body. When individuals are dealing with hysteria, they often give in to uncontrollable fear because they lack self-control. Epilepsy is a condition that can be diagnosed and treated because the symptoms are more of a physical issue; the individual affected with epilepsy is not imagining anxiety or a certain mental state; it is something that is actually occurring in their body.

Traditional uses

• Massage with one drop of Mugwort essential oil by diluting it with a carrier oil. It is helpful for women’s problems and assists the womb. It provides relief from menstrual cramps and scanty menstruation.
• Mugwort essential oil helps to provide relief from acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
• It assists the immune system in case of illness and weakness.
• When burned in an aroma lamp, it provides relaxation.
• It provides relief from epilepsy, hysteria, and anxiety.
• It provides relief from inflammation and also treats parasites.
• To promote tranquility, diffuse lavender oil with Mugwort essential oil.
• The addition of a few drops of Mugwort essential oil to the pillow promotes dreams.
• Being a diuretic, it helps to detoxify the body.
• It is helpful for arthritis and gout.
• It facilitates digestion by promoting the flow of digestive juices.

Witchcraft

The plant is highly regarded in witchcraft. [rx] Native Americans attributed mugwort to witches, as well. There are many uses for the herb listed, such as:

• Smoking for divination and protection
• Hallucinations, lucid dreaming, and astral projection
• Protective sachets
• Making wands
• A cleanser for ritualistic tools
• Staving off unwanted energies
• Dance garland for protection through the year

Ancient Uses

The Artemisia plants are named after the Greek goddess Artemisia, who ruled overhunting, hills, and fertility. [rx] Romans were said to have placed the leaves in their sandals to keep their feet from becoming sore throughout the day. John the Baptist was said to have worn a girdle of mugwort. The herb is considered important in Holland and Germany, where they wear it as a crown for protection on St. John’s Eve.

The herb has long been thought to influence women and labor. In Wales, it was tied to the left thigh to ease the difficulty in labor.

Historic Medicinal Uses

According to WebMD, people still use mugwort for many things it has historically been used for, including: [rx]

• As a tonic to boost energy
• To regulate menstruation
• In treatments for intestinal and stomach issues
• To stimulate gastric juices
• As a sedative
• To rid the body of worm infestation
• As a liver tonic
• In the treatment of mental problems like depression, anxiety, and chronic fatigue
• To calm epilepsy, seizures, and hysteria

Possible Side Effects

There is not enough medical research data to prove—or disprove—the safety of mugwort. Mugwort is likely unsafe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It may cause the uterus to contract, inducing miscarriage. Mugwort’s use has not been established as safe for infants.

Any person who is allergic to ragweed—which is in the Asteraceae family—should use mugwort with caution, due to a higher likeliness of an allergic reaction to mugwort pollen. A person with any other allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family (which also includes ragweed) should use mugwort with caution; these include:

• Stevia
• Lettuce
• Chicory
• Pyrethrum
• Sunflower
• Daisy
• Artichoke
• Burdock
• Thistle
• Marigolds

The Celery-Carrot-Mugwort-Spice Syndrome

People who are allergic to celery, birch, or wild carrot should use mugwort with caution because the herb has been associated with a syndrome called “celery-carrot-mugwort-spice syndrome.”

In a 2008 study, 87% of patients allergic to celery tested positive for mugwort allergies (using a skin prick test).4 The study also found that 52% of those allergic to carrots tested positive for mugwort allergies, and 26% of the study participants who were known to be hypersensitive (allergic) to caraway seeds were allergic to mugwort. Less prevalent were cross-reactivities to spices and herbs, including anise, fennel, and paprika.

Mugwort pollen may also cause allergic reactions in those who are allergic to:

• Olives
• Peaches
• Kiwi fruit
• Royal jelly
• Hazelnuts
• Nangai (a type of nut)
• Sage
• Honey
• Mustard

Allergy Symptoms

A person experiencing mild allergy symptoms to mugwort should immediately stop taking the herbs and contact the healthcare provider.

Mild allergic symptoms to mugwort may include:

• Hives
• Swelling of the lips, face, or eyes
• Tingling of the mouth
• Headaches
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting

Severe allergic symptoms to mugwort may include:

• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Dizziness that does not go away
• Problems talking (hoarse voice)
• Swelling or constriction of the throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Noisy breath sounds
• Physical collapse

Severe allergic symptoms are signs of a medical emergency. Anyone with symptoms of anaphylactic shock should seek immediate emergency medical care right away.

Preparation

Mugwort is commonly used in cooking to flavor many foods and beverages, including fish, meat dishes, desserts, pancakes, soups, salads, beer, and more. Mugwort was used in Europe to flavor beer long before hops were discovered.

Mugwort can be used in several preparations, including:

• Extracts
• Tinctures
• Dried whole or powdered leaves
• Essential oil
• Capsules and tablets
• A poultice (a soft, moist mass of plant leaves kept in place with a cloth and applied to the body to relieve soreness and inflammation)

Mugwort can be made into a tea by adding 1.5 teaspoons of mugwort leaves to a cup of boiling water (in a French press or tea infuser), steeping for 10 minutes then straining off the leaves, and serving.

The roots of mugwort are used to make a tonic said to boost energy.

In ancient cultures, mugwort was smoked to promote vivid dreams. This is because mugwort is said to produce mild psychotropic effects during wakefulness. A psychotropic effect can be induced by a substance that impacts the mental state of a person.

A lotion made of mugwort is sometimes applied to the skin for alleviating itching, caused by scars or burns. Research has shown that a lotion made of mugwort and menthol, applied to the skin, relieved itching in burn victims.5

For preparing fresh mugwort after picking, spread the plant’s stalks and leaves into fan shapes so they will evenly and thoroughly dry, then tie them up and hang in the open air.

Dosage

The right dose of any medicinal supplement, including mugwort, depends on many factors, including a person’s overall health, age, and more. There is a lack of medical research study data to determine a safe range of doses for mugwort.

Chinese mugwort is available commercially in the United States and Europe, but dosing information is limited. Most products are available in powder and oil dose forms and are used for promoting cardiovascular health as well as for treating asthma or cough. Other products contain herbal mixtures that include Chinese mugwort.

Keep in mind that even natural supplements can cause serious side effects, particularly when a person takes more than the recommended dose.

Mugwort leaves can be made into a tea by infusing the leaves in boiling water for 10 minutes.    Suggested dosage:   Tea: Use 1-3 teaspoon of the leaves to 1 cup of boiling water. Infuse for 10-15 minutes then strain. Drink up to 3 times per day. Tincture: 2-4ml up to twice daily.

 Precautions                                                                                               

• It should be properly diluted before use.
• This oil is abortifacient, neuro-toxic, irritant, and toxic.
• It has narcotic and toxic effects on the nervous system and brain.
• It should not be used during pregnancy because it could cause abortions.
• It should not be used in aromatherapy.

References

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