Artemisia vulgaris

• TeaAerial partsInternalFolk medicine

  Infusion of the flowering herb (1–2 g per cup) as a bitter tonic to stimulate digestive secretions for loss of appetite, flatulence, and dyspeptic complaints. Sesquiterpene lactones (vulgarin) and essential oils (1,8-cineole, camphor) are responsible for the bitter, carminative action.

  Preparation & dosage

  Dry amount

  1–2 g

  Doses per day

  3×

  Max duration

  4 weeks

  Sources: [1] [3] [4]

• TeaAerial partsInternalFolk medicine

  Traditionally used as an emmenagogue for irregular, absent, or painful menstruation (dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea). The flavonoids eriodictyol and apigenin possess weak oestrogenic activity and can stimulate uterine contractions — therefore strictly contraindicated in pregnancy.

  Preparation & dosage

  Dry amount

  1–2 g

  Doses per day

  2×

  Max duration

  2 weeks

  Sources: [3] [4]

• SpiceLeafInternalTraditional use

  Dried or fresh leaves as a culinary herb with fatty meats (goose, duck), stuffings, and gruit ale. Essential oils stimulate fat digestion and bile secretion. Traditional culinary plant in Germany and Vietnam.

  Sources: [1] [2]

• CompressLeafExternalFolk medicine

  Warm herb poultice from freshly crushed leaves or moist tea infusion for joint pain and menstrual cramps. Topical use avoids absorption of larger amounts of thujone.

  Sources: [1] [3]

• Essential oilAerial partsExternalTraditional use

  In traditional Chinese medicine, dried leaves and stems are compressed into moxa sticks and burned for thermoacupuncture (moxibustion) to stimulate acupoints. This application must be strictly distinguished from internal use.

  Sources: [2] [4]

• TinctureAerial partsInternalFolk medicine

  Alcoholic extract from flowering herb as a bitter tonic; more concentrated than tea infusion. Due to thujone content, use only in small doses (max. 2–4 ml/day) and not continuously.

  Sources: [3] [4]

• TeaAerial partsInternalFolk medicine

  Used in folk medicine as an expectorant and antispasmodic for respiratory complaints and asthma. The essential oil with 1,8-cineole and anticholinergic properties show bronchodilatory effects (animal studies).

  Sources: [4]

Strictly contraindicated during pregnancy (uterotonic effect — abortion possible). Thujone (β-thujone up to 1.19 % in essential oil) is neurotoxic in high doses; avoid prolonged use. People with Asteraceae allergy or Artemisia pollen allergy have increased sensitisation risk. Essential oil taken internally: not recommended. About the genus: The ASPCA lists tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) as toxic to dogs and cats. Mugwort itself is not classified there — but the genus contains the same bitter compounds and terpenes. When in doubt, keep it away from pets.

⏱ Max continuous use: 4 weeks