Overview

Mugwort is an herbal supplement that has been used for many reasons, but its benefits are not well defined. There is limited research on mugwort side effects when taken by mouth, but it contains thujone, a chemical that may be harmful in large amounts. Mugwort may cause itching or other skin reactions when applied to the skin. Before using mugwort, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is mugwort used for?

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is an herbal supplement used for many reasons, but the benefits for any use are not well defined. Some common reasons for taking mugwort include the following.

• Anxiety
• Digestive problems
• High blood pressure
• Menstrual cramps
• Trouble sleeping

Mugwort has been used in skin care products. It is also applied to the skin and on scars to help with itching. However, the benefits for these uses are not well defined.

Mugwort may also be used as a spice within the food industry.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed mugwort for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does mugwort work (mechanism of action)?

Mugwort, also known as Artemisia vulgaris, is a plant that grows in many parts of the world. The plant has an intense aroma when its leaves are crushed and has a spicy taste.

Herbal products, such as mugwort, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific mugwort product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

Mugwort contains natural chemicals, which include flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones, coumarins, and terpenes.

Mugwort may work by blocking certain chemical signals in the body (anticholinergic activity), blocking calcium channels, and blocking histamine receptors. In laboratory studies, these actions caused smooth muscle to relax, which may explain its traditional use for muscle cramps and digestive problems. Mugwort has been classified as an emmenagogue (a substance that stimulates menstrual flow). This may explain its use for menstrual cramps, though the mechanism for this effect is not well understood. Because of limited data, the benefits for any use of mugwort are not well defined.

Moxibustion is a specific form of therapy where mugwort leaves are gently burned near the skin. The warmth from the burning leaves is applied to specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi or energy and maintain good health.

How should I store mugwort?

You should store mugwort according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of mugwort?

There is limited research on the side effects of mugwort when taken by mouth. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

The most common side effect of mugwort when applied to the skin is contact dermatitis, which can include itching and rash. This side effect may vary depending on the amount you use or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of mugwort that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of mugwort?

While less common, the most serious side effects of mugwort are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Mugwort may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using mugwort and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Central Nervous System (CNS) Effects. Mugwort can affect your brain or central nervous system (CNS), especially when taking large amounts, such as drinking a lot of mugwort tea. This is likely from thujone, which is a chemical found in mugwort. Call your health care provider right away if you have the following symptoms.

• Feeling agitated or restless
• Confusion
• Seizures

Precautions

Who should not use mugwort?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use mugwort.

• Artemisia vulgaris
• Mugwort
• Nagadamani

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific mugwort products they stock.

What should I know about mugwort before using it?

Mugwort is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Mugwort products may be prepared from different parts of the plant. For example, mugwort herb typically refers to the above-ground parts of Artemisia vulgaris, whereas mugwort root refers to the underground parts. Each of these plant parts contains different chemicals that may have different effects on the body. It is important to read the product label to confirm which part of the plant was used to make that product.

Herbal products, such as mugwort, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific mugwort product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way that the plant was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep mugwort out of the reach of children.

Mugwort contains a chemical called thujone, which can affect the brain and nervous system. Because of this, the amount of mugwort consumed should be limited. See the Side Effects section for more details.

The FDA has not tested mugwort products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using mugwort?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if mugwort is right for you.

Allergies to Related Plants.Mugwort belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae/Compositae). People who are allergic to other plants in this family may also react to mugwort. Examples of other plants in this family include ragweed, chrysanthemum, dandelion, and sunflower. Talk with your health care provider if you have known allergies to any of these plants before using mugwort.

Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome (PFAS). Because mugwort supplements are made from the same plant that produces mugwort pollen, people with a mugwort pollen allergy or PFAS may be at risk for an allergic reaction when using mugwort products. Talk to your health care provider or allergist before using any mugwort product if you have a known mugwort pollen allergy, PFAS, or food allergies.

Pregnancy. Taking mugwort may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if mugwort passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does mugwort interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between mugwort and foods or drinks, but research is limited.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect mugwort.

Does mugwort interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

The interactions between mugwort and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with mugwort is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking mugwort with any medicines.

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much mugwort?

If you or someone else has used too much mugwort, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Mugwort is typically available as a dietary supplement that is taken by mouth or applied to the skin. Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to use mugwort safely. Do not use double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.