Mugwort
Artemisia vulgaris
Mugwort is a perennial herb with an erect reddish stem, deeply divided leaves and small yellow-petaled flowers.
This plant grows commonly on waste ground and along roadsides.
In the past Mugwort was used to flavour beer. It was still used in some parts of the country to flavour beer until the late 19th century.
This plant grows commonly on waste ground and along roadsides.
In the past Mugwort was used to flavour beer. It was still used in some parts of the country to flavour beer until the late 19th century.
Traditional Uses
- In the past, used for divination1
- Used to treat colds, cough, as a diuretic and to improve digestion1
- To regulate menstruation
Identification
- It relaxes the smooth muscle of the gut and of the airways3 (in vivo evidence)
- No clear understanding of the mechanisms which it influences the menstrual flow
- No current clinical evidence on efficacy
Uses
- A tea made from the leaves can be used to induce menstruation but there is lack of evidence on effective and safe dosage2
References
- In vitro evidence: evidence from studies using isolated components of living organisms such as cells or purified molecules
- In vivo evidence: evidence from studies with whole living organisms
- Clinical trial evidence: evidence from clinical trials conducted with humans
- Allen, D. E. & Hatfield, G. Medicinal Plants in Folk Tradition. (Timber Press, Incorporated, 2012).
- Hoffmann, D. Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. (Inner Traditions / Bear & Co, 2003).
- Khan, A. & Gilani, A. H. Antispasmodic and bronchodilator activities of Artemisia vulgaris are mediated through dual blockade of muscarinic receptors and calcium influx. J. Ethnopharmacol. 126, 480–486 (2009).
- Plants for a future website: http://www.pfaf.org/