Mugwort Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is a tall, aromatic perennial plant in the daisy family. It is native to Europe and Asia and now grows in many parts of North America, often as a roadside weed.

People have used mugwort for centuries in traditional European, Asian, and folk medicine. The leaves and flowering tops are dried for teas, tinctures, and capsules. In traditional Chinese medicine, dried mugwort is also burned near the skin in a practice called moxibustion.

Today it is sold as a dietary supplement and herbal tea, and people use it mainly for digestion, menstrual symptoms, and sleep. It also has a long history in spiritual and cultural traditions.

Mugwort contains a mix of plant compounds, including volatile oils (such as cineole and thujone), flavonoids, and bitter substances called sesquiterpene lactones.

The bitter compounds are thought to stimulate digestive juices, which is the traditional reason it is used for the stomach. Its essential oils may have mild effects on muscles, which could explain its folk use for menstrual symptoms.

Most of these ideas come from laboratory or animal research, not from well-designed human trials. So while these mechanisms are plausible, they do not prove that mugwort works or is safe in people.

Mugwort is part of the same plant family as ragweed, daisies, marigolds, and chrysanthemums. People allergic to these plants may react to mugwort. It is also a well-known cause of pollen allergy and can be linked to food allergies (sometimes called "celery-mugwort-spice syndrome").

Mugwort essential oil contains thujone, which can be toxic in large amounts. Concentrated oils should not be taken by mouth.

Pregnancy: Avoid mugwort. It has traditionally been used to bring on menstruation and may stimulate the uterus, which could be harmful during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding: Avoid mugwort because there is not enough safety information.

People with allergies, asthma, or who are taking other medicines should check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

For many people, small amounts of mugwort tea cause few problems, but reactions can occur.

Possible side effects include:

• Allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, sneezing, or runny nose
• Contact dermatitis (skin irritation) from handling the plant
• Stomach upset

Rarely, mugwort can trigger serious allergic reactions, including severe breathing problems (anaphylaxis), especially in people with plant or pollen allergies. Stop using it and seek medical care if you have trouble breathing, swelling, or hives. Large doses of products containing thujone may be harmful.

There is no well-established, standardized dose for mugwort. The amount in teas, capsules, and tinctures varies a lot between products.

If you choose to use mugwort, follow the directions on the product label and do not exceed them. Avoid swallowing the concentrated essential oil. Because doses are not standardized and quality can vary, it is wise to talk with a pharmacist or doctor first, especially if you have allergies or take other medicines.