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Mugwort

Mugwort is a plant that grows in Asia, North America and Northern Europe. The parts of the plant that grow above ground and its root are used to make medicine. Mugwort root is used as a tonic and to increase energy. The rest of the plant is used for stomach and intestinal problems including colic, diarrhea, constipation, cramps, poor digestion, intestinal worm infestation and persistent vomiting. Mugwort is also used to stimulate stomach and bile acid production. It is also used as a liver tonic, to stimulate circulation and as a sedative. Other uses include the treatment of hysteria, epilepsy and convulsions in children. Women take mugwort for irregular menstrual periods and other menstrual problems. In combination with other ingredients, mugwort root is used for mental problems (psychoneuroses), persistent exhaustion, depression, hypochondria, general irritability, restlessness, sleep problems and anxiety. Some people apply mugwort lotion directly to the skin to relieve itching caused by burn scars.

How does mugwort work?

The chemicals in mugwort may stimulate the uterus.

How effective is mugwort?

There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of mugwort applied to the skin for itching caused by scars. Recent research suggests that a lotion containing mugwort and menthol applied to the skin can relieve itching in victims of severe burns. There is also a lack of scientific information on the effectiveness of mugwort for stomach problems such as colic, diarrhea, cramps, constipation, poor digestion and vomiting, as well as epilepsy, irregular menstrual periods, lack of energy and anxiety. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of mugwort in these applications.

Safety and side effects

There is not enough information to say whether mugwort is safe and harmless.

Precautions and warnings

  • Pregnancy and lactation: Mugwort is not safe to use during pregnancy. Mugwort could cause miscarriages as it can induce the menstrual period and cause contractions of the uterus.
  • Not enough is known about the safety and harmlessness of mugwort during breastfeeding, so breastfeeding women should avoid mugwort to be on the safe side.
  • Allergies: Mugwort can cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to members of the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family. Members of this plant family include broomweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies and many other plants.
  • Mugwort could also cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to birch, celery or wild carrots.
  • There are concerns that mugwort could cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to honey or royal jelly.
  • Mugwort pollen could cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to tobacco.

Interactions

At this time, there is no information on interactions of mugwort with medications or supplements.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of mugwort depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At the present time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for mugwort. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

  1. Bauer L, Ebner C, Hirschwehr R, et al. IgE cross-reactivity between birch pollen, mugwort pollen, and celery is due to three distinct cross-reacting allergens: immunoblot investigation of the birch-mugwort-celery syndrome. Clin Exp Allergy 1996;26:1161-70.
  2. Fetrow CW, Avila JR. Professional's Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicines. 1st ed. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corp, 1999.
  3. Lombardi C, Senna GE, Gatti B, et al. Allergic reactions to honey and royal jelly and their relationship with sensitization to compositae. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) 1998;26:288-90.
  4. Moore M. Herbal Materia Medica fifth edition, Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Bisbee, AZ 1995.
  5. Ogawa R, Hyankusoju H, Ogawa K, Nakao C. Effectiveness of mugwort lotion for the treatment of post-burn hypertrophic scars. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2008;61:210-2.
  6. Ortega N, Quiralte N, Blanco C, et al. Tobacco allergy: demonstration of cross-reactivity with other members of Solanaceae family and mugwort pollen. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 1999;82:194-7.