Mugwort is a perennial weed, also known as the "mother of herbs," and a member of the daisy family. It has been used as an herbal remedy for thousands of years in European and Chinese medicine to boost energy, support digestion, calm nerves, and minimize anxiety and depression. 

Mugwort was also thought to have supernatural powers in the Middle Ages. For instance, people believe it protects against evil spirits, wild animals, sunstroke, and exhaustion. Keep reading if you are still here and curious about mugwort, its health benefits, the right way to consume it, and its dosage!

What Are The Health Benefits of Mugwort?

Mugwort possesses liver-protective, vermifuge, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, antiseptic, and antimalarial qualities. It is beneficial for:

Arthritis

Arthritis is a common disorder that can result in joint discomfort and swelling. For some types of arthritis, mugwort combined with the moxibustion technique is an effective treatment. In one study, individuals with osteoarthritis were blind-tested using the same traditional Chinese method. Half of the 110 patients received real-deal moxibustion medication, while the other half received a placebo thrice a week for three weeks. Patients and physicians were unaware of which patients were undergoing which treatments. At the end of the session, the moxibustion group experienced a 53% decline in pain, while the placebo group experienced a mere 24% reduction.

Menstruation

Mugwort's primary purpose was to aid in women's reproductive health. Its estrogenic properties may help women's reproductive systems function better. In particular, artemisinin, a plant component, is thought to be a mild uterine stimulant that encourages regular periods. Healthy uterine muscles and sufficient flow to the pelvic area are essential for the uterus's function. A regulated uterus with enough blood flow makes proper monthly cycles possible.

Digestive System

Mugwort has been used in traditional medicine to aid in digestion. It is a choleretic—a chemical that boosts the amount of bile secreted by the liver. Bile secretion aids in the movement and elimination of toxins while positively impacting the digestive system. The entire digestive and assimilation procedure benefits greatly from bile secretion. Bile's main objective is to aid in fat digestion, but it also serves as a natural laxative, purifying the body. Another name for mugwort is a bitter digestive that helps with severe bowel and abdominal pain, dyspepsia, travel illness, and stomach acidity.

Respiratory Function

Mugwort, a traditional herb, has been used for decades to maintain respiratory function. It can be given as an ointment or inhaled. Promoting the airways' natural inflammatory response might help the lungs. Alkaloids, coumarins, sterols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and terpenes are among the plant substances thought to be helpful.

Normal Cholesterol

Although mugwort may not be the first herb considered for heart support or cholesterol, many Chinese researchers examined the herb's effects on cholesterol. They conducted an animal study that checked several cardiovascular function signs before and after study participants took mugwort. After four weeks, they discovered that mugwort and its antioxidants helped normalize cholesterol and inflammatory reactions.

Fighting Cancerous Cells and Malaria

Artemisinins, an essential part of mugwort, harm some cancer cells. Similarly, mugwort is an antimalarial. While examining the factors contributing to malaria, researchers discovered connections to artemisinins that target the lysosome, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum. Because cancer cells have higher iron content than healthy cells, they are more prone to artemisinin's damage. In one study, researchers combined artemisinin with iron-heavy malignant cells. Once the mixture enters the cells, it has a greater propensity to kill cancer. This mixture is also used as an effective chemotherapeutic agent for cancer treatment.

Act as an Antibacterial and Antifungal

Mugwort aids in the battle against fungus and bacteria. According to one study, using mugwort essential oil can help in the removal of candida, an ordinary fungus that can lead to infections in the throat, and stomach. According to another study, oil extracted from the plant's upper parts—the leaves and stem—attacked various bacteria and fungi, including Salmonella enteritidis and Escherichia coli (E. coli). However, not all essential oils are the same because the plant grows in different places. It implies that the qualities of two containers of mugwort crucial oils from various locations can differ.

What’s The Best Way to Take Mugwort?

Mugwort can be found in moxibustion treatments such as dry leaves, capsules, tea, powders, tinctures, or essential oils. Your tastes and health objectives will determine how you want to take mugwort. Mugwort is best taken as a supplement, tincture, or capsule. Additionally, mugwort tea is well-liked for improving digestion and relaxation. The amount of mugwort consumed depends on several variables, including the user's age, health, and other conditions. More scientific data is needed to establish a suitable range of mugwort dosages. Remember that doses can matter and that natural products aren't always safe. Before using, read the product labels carefully and speak with your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.

Precautions:

You need to be careful while taking the mugwort in a few conditions like:

• Breastfeeding: Because mugwort can induce menstruation and uterine contractions, it may result in miscarriage. Also, eating mugwort during nursing is not safe.
• Allergies: People allergic to plants may experience an allergic reaction when they consume mugwort. Ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and numerous other herbs belong to this family. Those allergic to wild carrots, celery, or birch may also experience an allergic reaction to mugwort. Additionally, mugwort may trigger allergic reactions in those allergic to white mustard, honey, jelly, olive, peach, and kiwi.

Conclusion:

Mugwort is used as a herbal remedy to flavor various meals. It is believed to increase vitality, soothe anxiety, aid digestion, ease pain and itching, and encourage regular menstruation. Mugwort can be purchased as a powder, tincture, extract, nutritional supplement, essential oil, or whole dried leaves. It is usually safe to use, though allergic to celery, carrots, birch, or ragweed may experience an allergic reaction. It is not suggested what amount is beneficial or harmful, so it's better to consult a doctor before using it. Children and those who are nursing should not take mugwort.