Mugwort has stimulating and toning effects on the uterus and can help bring on scanty menstruation, while also helping to regulate irregular periods. Mugwort is a powerful emmenagogue, helping to shift painful and nervous tension symptoms of PMS. It is known to move blood stagnation, used where there is an absence of menstrual bleeding (1). It can also support painful periods and lessen heavy menstrual bleeding. In Chinese Medicine Artemisia argyi (a different type of mugwort to the Western Artemisia vulgaris), is used in moxibustion, a practice of using an incense stick of condensed dried mugwort leaves applied close to specific acupuncture points to help move blocked chi.

Mugwort is also very useful in supporting digestive complaints. As an effective bitter tonic, it can stimulate appetite, aid sluggish indigestion and reduce IBS symptoms such as wind and bloating.

Mugwort can be used to relieve nervous system conditions such as mild depression and anxiety. Digestive and nervous system health are often interrelated, making mugwort’s ability to work both very valuable.

Mugwort is also used as an insect repellent useful in deterring moths and other insects if burned as an incense or an addition to fires.

From a western herbalism perspective, Mugwort is a complex plant energetically as it is both bitter and aromatic. It is generally regarded as a warming, drying plant that moves and tones digestion and circulation, moving stagnant blood flow and sluggish digestion.

Mugwort is a relaxant to the nervous system, with nervine, carminative and antispasmodic actions. From a humoral perspective, Mugwort is primarily used for the cold/depression, damp, and wind/tension tissue states.

Known as the ‘dream herb’ mugwort can also be used to help bring ‘dreamy’ people who tend to be lost in their thoughts to feel more grounded and centred. Interestingly, consuming mugwort either by ingesting or inhaling its smoke is linked with lucid dreaming.

Mugwort has long been used in different parts of the world, known as the ‘mother of all herbs’ in several traditional cultures. In Chinese medicine, it is used for regulating menstruation and ‘calming a restless foetus’ (2).

Mugwort has a rich history in magic and protection, known to help shift stagnant energy and focus a restless mind. It has been used by native indigenous practices for divination. Mugwort is renowned for helping to access lucid dreaming states, used in meditation practice and before going to sleep.

Mugwort, named for being an ingredient in a drink, was once used in brewing beer before it was replaced by hops at the end of the 15th century. Mugwort was used traditionally to treat urinary stones, dropsy (an old term for oedema, particularly linked with heart failure) and jaundice (3).

Mugwort has been used traditionally and today in the treatment of gynecologic issues, primary ammenorrheoa and dysmennorrheoa. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is administered for functional ammenorrhoea (4).

Traditionally associated with antiseptic and parasitic properties, mugwort has been used in cases of gastritis and to aid worm infestations, as a strong bitter effect on the gastrointestinal tract, which has stimulating effects on the digestive tract (5).

Mugwort also has mild nervine action, thought to be due to its high volatile oil content, which may help ease depression, tension and convulsions (3).

There is a lack of modern clinical studies on mugwort, despite being a prominent herb used in both Western and Eastern herbalism.

The essential oil of mugwort has shown very similar antimicrobial properties to that of its cousin, Wormwood (3). Other studies have found the Mugwort essential oil to have antiviral, insecticidal anti-oxidant actions (6).

Artemisinin, one of the key sesquiterpene lactone constituents found in Mugwort, has shown promising results as an anti-malarial drug used against resistant strains of parasites (6) As for the majority of Artemisia family, Mugwort also has mild antifungal properties and is beneficial against dysentery.

In human trials, Mugwort in combination with seven other herbs was used as an irritant following prostatectomy and effectively reduced bladder infections and bleeding without side effects (3).

Mugwort has a long affinity with female energy, evident in its scientific name ‘Artemisia’ named after the Ancient Greek goddess ‘Artemis’, known to be a protector and patron of women, especially at key phases of life from menarche to menopause.

Native to all Europe and much of Asia from the Arctic Circle to the Tropics (3). Very hardy, drought and frost resistant. Mugwort grows in the waysides, roadsides and waste ground.

Mugwort grows abundantly in the wild.

No issues reported.

Mugwort is very hardy in pretty much any soil in full sun or partial shade.

Make a tea infusion of Mugwort

Take 150 ml of boiled water and pour over half a teaspoon of fresh or dried Mugwort leaves and flowers. Allow to infuse in a covered teapot for 5-10 minutes before it is strained and consumed.

Try drinking one cup about an hour before going to bed for one week consistently, leave a notepad and pen by your bedside and make a record of any dreams you remember. The more regularly this practice is carried out, the more dreams you tend to remember!

1. Stapleford, A. (2021) The Handbook of Constitutional and Energetic Herbal Medicine: The Lotus Within, ‎ Aeon Books, London.
2. Bruton-Seal J & M. (2008) Hedgerow Medicine: Harvest and Make your own Herbal Remedies, Merlin Unwin Books, Ludlow.
3. Fisher, C. (2018) Materia Medica of Western Herbs, Aeon Books, London.
4. Romm, A. (2018) Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health, Elsevier
5. Trickey, R. (2003) Women, Hormones and the Menstrual Cycle: Herbal and Medical Solutions from Adolescence to Menopause, Allen & Unwin, Sydney.
6. Abiri R, Silva AL, de Mesquita LS, et al. Towards a better understanding of Artemisia vulgaris : Botany, phytochemistry, pharmacological and biotechnological potential. Food Research International. 2018;109:403-415. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2018.03.072
7. Brinker, F. (2018) Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions, Eclectic Medical Publications.