Mugwort: Effect and Use of The Medicinal Herb
Mugwort has various effects as a medicinal herb and can be used internally and externally in various areas. We explain what the herb is good for!
Mugwort: Interesting Facts about The Medicinal Herb
- Mugwort grows along many roadsides and can grow between 60 centimetres and 2 metres in size. It belongs to the genus Artemisia and to the composite family. Its scientific name is Artemisia vulgaris.
- The medicinal plant can be used in the kitchen as well as for various complaints.
- The herbaceous plant has leaves with a slightly felty, white coat on the underside, whereas the upper side can be dark green to grey-green. Note: The highly poisonous monkshood has similar leaves, but they do not have the felt-like hairs on the underside.
- Mugwort flowers from June to September, while it can be harvested from August to October.
Mugwort: Effects and Use
Mugwort has many valuable ingredients, including bitter substances, flavonoids, essential oils and inulin. It works:
- appetizing
- choline-driving
- antispasmodic
- digestive
- stimulating the contractions
- menstrual stimulating
- antibacterial
- promotes blood circulation
In the kitchen the tender leaves or panicles are used, while in medicine the roots are also used. Mugwort is available as oil, tincture, tea or kitchen herb.
Mugwort in the Kitchen
- As a spice, the bitter herb is used especially in greasy recipes. Mugwort is also a very good addition to dishes that tend to be “heavy on the stomach”: its digestive and appetite-stimulating properties are appreciated in the kitchen.
- The herb can be used fresh or dried. Especially the younger shoots and leaves are not quite as bitter and have a nice spicy taste. The herb is used in many ways, especially in winter, e.g. for the Christmas goose or meat dishes.
Mugwort in Menstrual Cramps
Mugwort can be used to alleviate menstrual cramps, especially in women, because it has a relaxing effect. It also promotes bleeding during weak menstruation. Caution: Mugwort is pain-inducing, so it should not be taken during pregnancy!
Mugwort for Digestive Problems
Mugwort can help with cramps, flatulence or even nausea. The secondary plant substances stimulate the production of gastric acid and saliva. In addition, the bitter substances contained in the plant can support the work of the gall bladder, liver and pancreas.
Mugwort for Tired Legs
- The herb helps with sore and tired feet and can be used here as a foot bath or massage oil.
- For a foot bath, place 4 cups of the leaves in a pot and pour 4 litres of boiling water over them. Leave the brew to steep for half an hour, then drain the liquid and take a foot bath.
- Alternatively you can massage oil into your legs and feet, which you can make yourself: Put as many leaves and flowers of the plant as possible in a bottle and pour almond oil over it. Afterwards, the oil must be left in the sun for three to four weeks and shaken repeatedly. Drain it afterwards, pour it into a dark bottle and close it well. Store in a cool place!
Further Application Possibilities
- Malaria: Annual mugwort grows in East Asia and China. The secondary plant substance artemisinin contained in the leaves and flowers is used in the treatment of malaria.
- Restlessness: The relaxing effect of the herb is said to be helpful for sleep disorders.
- Cold sensation: Mugwort has a warming effect and is therefore particularly beneficial when feeling cold.
Mugwort Tea: Preparation
The tea is mainly used for digestive problems, restlessness or menstrual problems.
- Place a teaspoon of the mugwort leaves in a cup and pour 250 ml of boiling water over it.
- The infusion time is two to three minutes.
- Strain the tea afterwards.
You should not drink more than three cups of tea a day and if you use it for a longer period of time, take a four-week break after a maximum of six weeks.
Attention: The tea loses its effect when sweetened!
When Should Mugwort not be Used?
- Mugwort must not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This applies to both internal and external use.
- Mugwort can cause allergic reactions in some people: These reactions can range from mild rashes to asthma. It is therefore essential that allergy sufferers consult a doctor before using the product.
- Don’t use mugwort if you have a fever.