Broom mugwort

Broom mugwort, scientifically known as Artemisia scoparia, is a herbaceous plant from the family of composites (Asteraceae). Originally native to Europe and Asia, Broom mugwort thrives preferably on nutrient-poor, sandy soils in sunny locations. The plant is valued for its bitter compounds and essential oils in traditional healing practices and is also used in cooking and garden culture.

What benefits does Broom mugwort offer?

Broom mugwort has been used in folk medicine for centuries and offers various health benefits. The effects assumed in traditional medicine are partly supported by modern studies conducted on Artemisia Scoparia itself or on one of the active compounds it contains. However, more research is needed to reliably verify these effects; here are some of the applications from folk medicine with scientific evidence, where available:

  • Antibacterial effect: Various active compounds in Broom mugwort act antimicrobially, which means they could counteract pathogens (1,2).
  • Liver and bile function: Broom mugwort is traditionally used to support liver health and was able to show liver-supporting effects in studies (1).
  • Inflammation inhibition: The plant contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties; these could potentially have a soothing effect on rheumatic complaints and inflammation (1,3,4).
  • Neuroprotective effect: In studies, Broom mugwort has been associated with neuroprotective properties (1)
  • Detoxification: In traditional Asian medicine, Broom mugwort is used to support the body's own detoxification processes.

How does Broom mugwort work?

The healing effects of Broom mugwort can be attributed to its bioactive constituents:

  • Essential oils: Various oils that have an antispasmodic, antimicrobial, and circulation-promoting effect (1,2,5,6).
  • Bitter compounds: These promote digestion and support the function of the liver and gallbladder (7,8,9).
  • Flavonoids: They possess antioxidant properties and can protect cells from free radicals (10,11).
  • Coumarins: These secondary plant compounds have anti-inflammatory effects and can promote blood circulation (1,12).

Recommended intake

Broom mugwort is often used as a tea, tincture, or in the form of essential oils.

Essential oil from Broom mugwort should only be used diluted and in small amounts, as it can be toxic in higher concentrations.

Can Broom mugwort be consumed naturally through food?

The leaves and shoots of Broom mugwort can be used in small amounts as a seasoning. Their tart aroma refines fatty dishes such as roast goose or sausages, as the bitter compounds support the digestion of heavy meals.

What risks does the use of Broom mugwort entail?

  • Side effects: In sensitive individuals, Broom mugwort or its essential oils can trigger stomach complaints, headaches, or allergic reactions.
  • Risks: Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid Broom mugwort, as some of its constituents, especially thujone (an essential oil), could induce labor or impair milk production. People with liver problems should consult a doctor before use.
  • Allergies: Broom mugwort belongs to the composite family and can cause reactions in people with pollen allergies.

Conclusion

Broom mugwort (Artemisia scoparia) is a medicinal plant rich in tradition that is valued above all for digestive complaints, for supporting the liver, and for detoxification. Due to its potent constituents, however, it should be used in moderation and in a targeted manner. Pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and sensitive individuals should avoid taking it. In case of uncertainty, a doctor should be consulted before taking it. As an aromatic culinary herb, Broom mugwort also offers a flavorful addition to the kitchen.

Sources:

    1. Ding, J., Wang, L., He, C., Zhao, J., Si, L., & Huang, H. (2021). Artemisia scoparia: Traditional uses, active constituents and pharmacological effects. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 273, 113960. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2021.113960
    2. Ramezani, M., Fazli-Bazzaz, B. S., Saghafi-Khadem, F., & Dabaghian, A. (2004). Antimicrobial activity of four Artemisia species of Iran. Fitoterapia, 75(2), 201–203. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0367-326X(03)00217-5
    3. Choi, E., Park, H., Lee, J., & Kim, G. (2013). Anticancer, antiobesity, and anti-inflammatory activity of Artemisia species in vitro. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 33(1), 92–97. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0254-6272(13)60107-7
    4. Habib, M., & Waheed, I. (2013). Evaluation of anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities of Artemisia scoparia hydromethanolic extract. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 145(1), 18–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2012.10.022
    5. Ou, M. C., Hsu, T. F., Lai, A. C., Lin, Y. T., & Lin, C. C. (2012). Pain relief assessment by aromatic essential oil massage on outpatients with primary dysmenorrhea: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. The journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research, 38(5), 817–822. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1447-0756.2011.01802.x
    6. Shiina, Y., Funabashi, N., Lee, K., Toyoda, T., Sekine, T., Honjo, S., Hasegawa, R., Kawata, T., Wakatsuki, Y., Hayashi, S., Murakami, S., Koike, K., Daimon, M., & Komuro, I. (2008). Relaxation effects of lavender aromatherapy improve coronary flow velocity reserve in healthy men evaluated by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography. International journal of cardiology, 129(2), 193–197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcard.2007.06.064
    7. Qu, C., Guan, X., Li, C., Zhu, X., Ma, T., Li, H., Yu, B., & Yang, H. (2023). Sesquiterpene lactones improve secretory diarrhea symptoms by inhibiting intestinal Ca2+-activated Cl- channel activities directly and indirectly. European journal of pharmacology, 955, 175917. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175917
    8. García, C. J., Beltrán, D., & Tomás-Barberán, F. A. (2020). Human Gut Microbiota Metabolism of Dietary Sesquiterpene Lactones: Untargeted Metabolomics Study of Lactucopicrin and Lactucin Conversion In Vitro and In Vivo. Molecular nutrition & food research, 64(21), e2000619. https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.202000619
    9. Sabel, R., Fronza, A. S., Carrenho, L. Z. B., Maes, A., Barros, M. L., Pollo, L. A. E., Biavatti, M. W., D'Herde, K., Vandenabeele, P., & Kreuger, M. R. O. (2019). Anti-inflammatory activity of the sesquiterpene lactone diacethylpiptocarphol in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 245, 112186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2019.112186
    10. Chae SC, Lee JH, Park SU. Recent studies on flavonoids and their antioxidant activities. EXCLI J. 2013 Mar 13;12:226-30. PMID: 27034634; PMCID: PMC4803004.
    11. Izzi V, Masuelli L, Tresoldi I, Sacchetti P, Modesti A, Galvano F, et al. The effects of dietary flavonoids on the regulation of redox inflammatory networks. Front Biosci. 2012;17:2396–2418. doi: 10.2741/4061.
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