Mugwort

The flowering tops and root of the plant are used.

It contains potentially toxic products such as camphor, eucalyptol, thujone and sesquiterpene lactones.

It is a plant that is traditionally used to treat women’s illnesses or health issues (de Boer 2014, Kim 2013), without it being possible to prove its effectiveness (Blumenthal German Commission E 1998). There is very little literature on its properties. It supposedly has uterus-stimulating properties.

Since the last update we have not found published data on its excretion in breast milk.

Given the lack of evidence of its efficacy and potential toxic effects, its general use is discouraged and even more so in children and pregnant or breastfeeding mothers (Skidmore 2010, Blumenthal German Commission E 1998).

Not to be confused with several other species of the same Artemisia genus.

Precautions when taking plant preparations:
1. Ensure that they are from a reliable source: poisoning has occurred due to confusing one plant with another with toxic properties, as well as poisoning from heavy metals extracted from the ground and food poisoning due to contamination with bacteria or fungi.
2. Do not take in large amounts; follow recommendations from professional experts in phytotherapy. "Natural" products are not always good in any quantity: plants contain active substances from which much of our traditional pharmacopoeia has been obtained and can result in poisoning or act as endocrine disruptors if taken in excessive amounts or time periods.

Synonyms

• Chrysanthemum Weed
• Common Mugfelon herb
• Felon Herb
• Sagewort
• Sailor´s Tobacco
• Wild Wormwood

Writings

• Artemisia vulgaris (Latin, botanical name)