Mugwort

Mugwort tea, made from the leaves and flowers of Artemisia vulgaris, has a long history in traditional medicine and offers a variety of potential health benefits:
Key Health Benefits of Mugwort Tea
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Digestive Support: Mugwort tea is traditionally used to relieve indigestion, bloating, stomach acidity, dyspepsia, and acute bowel or stomach pain. It acts as a bitter digestive, stimulating bile production and supporting liver and gallbladder health, which aids in fat digestion and detoxification.
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Menstrual Health: Mugwort is known as a uterine tonic and emmenagogue, meaning it can help stimulate or regulate menstrual flow and relieve menstrual cramps. It is sometimes used to address irregular or absent periods, but should not be used during pregnancy due to its uterine-stimulating effects.
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Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects: The herb contains flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, and phenolic acids, which provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These may help reduce inflammation, protect cells from oxidative stress, and support overall wellness.
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Calming and Nervous System Support: Mugwort tea is used to calm nerves, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation. It may also help with insomnia and chronic fatigue, and is sometimes used to support vivid or lucid dreaming.
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Pain Relief: Mugwort has been used to relieve headaches, muscle aches, joint pain, and symptoms of arthritis, sometimes in conjunction with moxibustion (a traditional Chinese medicine technique).
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Antimicrobial and Antiparasitic Properties: Mugwort exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, and vermifuge (anti-parasitic) effects, making it useful for addressing intestinal worms, skin infections, and minor wounds.
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Liver and Kidney Support: The tea is considered liver-protective and may help support kidney and urinary tract health, promoting detoxification and healthy urine output.
Traditional and Additional Uses
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Used for colic, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and as a mild sedative.
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Sometimes used to support respiratory health and as an insect repellent.
Precautions
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Mugwort should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as it may stimulate uterine contractions and increase the risk of miscarriage.
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People allergic to ragweed or related plants may also react to mugwort.
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Use under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
Mugwort tea is valued for its digestive, menstrual, calming, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial benefits, as well as its traditional use for pain relief and liver support. However, it should be used with caution and is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals.
Citations:
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/mugwort-benefits-side-effects-dosage-and-interactions-4767226
- https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/mugwort.htm
- https://www.indigo-herbs.co.uk/natural-health-guide/benefits/mugwort
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mugwort
- https://www.tuasaude.com/en/mugwort/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/mugwort-weed-with-potential
- https://theherbalacademy.com/blog/how-to-use-mugwort/
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-123/mugwort
- https://www.gaiaherbs.com/blogs/seeds-of-knowledge/mugwort-benefits