A digestive and tonic herb, mugwort has a wide variety of traditional uses. Milder in action than most other Artemisia species, it can be taken over the long term at a low dose to improve appetite, digestive function, promotes liver detoxification and absorption of nutrients. In addition to encouraging the elimination of worms, mugwort increases bile flow.

Mugwort has long been used in the West to promote menstruation (yet is found in Chinese formulas to prevent miscarriage). Use a standard infusion of two teaspoons per cup of water steeped for 20 minutes, take ¼ cup flour times a day. A tea or compress was used to speed labor and help expel the afterbirth.

Mugwort decreases external inflammation and, in both China and Europe, a poultice is traditionally placed on rheumatic and arthritic pains. In Russia, it is extracted in vodka for swellings, wounds, and various skin problems. It is also a fairly effective poison oak treatment. Mugwort is also an antiseptic and has been used in the treatment of malaria.

Properties:

bitter digestive tonic, uterine stimulant, stimulating nervine, menstrual regulator, antirheumatic, anthelmintic, antispasmodic, carminative, choleretic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, orexigenic, stomachic, vermifuge

Remedies:

Infusion of the aerial parts is taken for menopausal syndrome or use as a bitter to cool the digestive tract in fever management Decoction: combine 5 grams with an equal amount of dry ginger to make a warming tea for menstrual pain.

Tincture: mugwort root, grain spirit or vodka. Fill a small dark mason jar halfway with freshly crushed mugwort root. Cover the root with the alcohol, close the jar, and let it steep for 2 or 3 weeks; shake it occasionally. Strain the tincture into dark dropper bottles. A daily dose is 3 to 5 drops administered 3 times daily. Take for menstrual pain, scanty menstruation, and prolonged bleeding. Use as a stimulant in liver stagnation and sluggish digestion. In childbirth it is used for prolonged labor and retained placenta

Mugwort Footbath: 2 handfuls mugwort herb, dried or fresh and 2 quarts cold water. Bring the herbs and the cold water to a boil in a covered pot, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Strain the liquid inot a bucket or large bowl, adding more hot water as needed. Administer hot mugwort footbaths for disorders of the pelvic organs, tension, cold feet and headaches. Cold footbaths are used for swollen and tired feet. For this purpose, let the brew cool before adding cold water.

Toxicity:

Avoid large amounts or continued consumption which can adversely affect the nervous system. Don't use while pregnant