Altamisa, Armoise, Armoise Citronnelle, Armoise Commune, Armoise Vulgaire, Artémise, Artemisia, Artemisia Vulgaris, Artemisiae Vulgaris Herba, Artemisiae Vulgaris Radix, Carline Thistle, Felon Herb, Gemeiner Beifuss, Herbe aux Cent Goûts, Herbe de Feu, Herbe de la Saint-Jean, Herbe Royale, Hierba de San Juan, Nagadamni, Remise, Sailor's Tobacco, St. John's Plant, Tabac de Saint-Pierre, Wild Wormwood.
Mugwort is a plant that grows in Asia, North America, and Northern Europe. The plant parts that grow above the ground and the root are used to make medicine.
People take mugwort root as a “tonic” and to boost energy.
People take the rest of the plant for stomach and intestinal conditions including colic, diarrhea, constipation, cramps, weak digestion, worm infestations, and persistent vomiting. Mugwort is also used to stimulate gastric juice and bile secretion. It is also used as a liver tonic; to promote circulation; and as a sedative. Other uses include treatment of hysteria, epilepsy, and convulsions in children.
Women take mugwort for irregular periods and other menstrual problems.
In combination with other ingredients, mugwort root is used for mental problems (psychoneuroses), ongoing fatigue and depression (neurasthenia), depression, preoccupation with illness (hypochondria), general irritability, restlessness, trouble sleeping (insomnia), and anxiety.
Some people apply mugwort lotion directly to the skin to relieve itchiness caused by burn scars.
How does work?
The chemicals in mugwort might stimulate the uterus.
QUESTION
Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See AnswerInsufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...
- Itching caused by scars, when applied to the affected skin. Developing research suggests that applying a lotion containing mugwort and menthol directly to the skin relieves itching in severe burn victims.
- Stomach problems (colic, diarrhea, cramps, constipation, slow digestion, vomiting).
- Epilepsy.
- Irregular menstrual periods.
- Low energy.
- Anxiety.
- Other conditions.
There isn't enough information to know if mugwort is safe.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It's LIKELY UNSAFE to use mugwort if you are pregnant. Mugwort might cause a miscarriage because it can start menstruation and also cause the uterus to contract.Not enough is known about the safety of taking mugwort if you are breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Allergies: Mugwort may cause an allergic reaction in individuals who are allergic to the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many other herbs.
Mugwort might also cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to birch, celery, or wild carrot. This has been called the “celery-carrot-mugwort-spice syndrome.”
There is also some concern that mugwort might cause allergic reactions in people with allergies to white mustard, honey, royal jelly, hazelnut, olive, latex, peach, kiwi, the Micronesian nut called Nangai, and other plants from the genus Artemisia, including sage.
Mugwort pollen might cause reactions in people who are allergic to tobacco.
The appropriate dose of mugwort depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for mugwort. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
SLIDESHOW
Vitamin D Deficiency: How Much Vitamin D Is Enough? See SlideshowNatural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Anliker, M. D., Borelli, S., and Wuthrich, B. Occupational protein contact dermatitis from spices in a butcher: a new presentation of the mugwort-spice syndrome. Contact Dermatitis 2002;46(2):72-74. View abstract.
Bauer, R., Himly, M., Dedic, A., Ferreira, F., Thalhamer, J., and Hartl, A. Optimization of codon usage is required for effective genetic immunization against Art v 1, the major allergen of mugwort pollen. Allergy 2003;58(10):1003-1010. View abstract.
Behrendt, H., Kasche, A., Ebner, von Eschenbach, Risse, U., Huss-Marp, J., and Ring, J. Secretion of proinflammatory eicosanoid-like substances precedes allergen release from pollen grains in the initiation of allergic sensitization. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2001;124(1-3):121-125. View abstract.
Cirkovic, T., Gavrovic-Jankulovic, M., Prisic, S., Jankov, R. M., Burazer, L., Vuckovic, O., Sporcic, Z., and Paranos, S. The influence of a residual group in low-molecular-weight allergoids of Artemisia vulgaris pollen on their allergenicity, IgE- and IgG-binding properties. Allergy 2002;57(11):1013-1020. View abstract.
Darsow, U., Vieluf, D., and Ring, J. Evaluating the relevance of aeroallergen sensitization in atopic eczema with the atopy patch test: a randomized, double-blind multicenter study. Atopy Patch Test Study Group. J Am Acad.Dermatol 1999;40(2 Pt 1):187-193. View abstract.
de la Torre, Morin F., Sanchez, Machin, I, Garcia Robaina, J. C., Fernandez-Caldas, E., and Sanchez, Trivino M. Clinical cross-reactivity between Artemisia vulgaris and Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile). J Investig.Allergol.Clin.Immunol 2001;11(2):118-122. View abstract.
Fernandez, C., Martin-Esteban, M., Fiandor, A., Pascual, C., Lopez, Serrano C., Martinez, Alzamora F., Diaz Pena, J. M., and Ojeda Casas, J. A. Analysis of cross-reactivity between sunflower pollen and other pollens of the Compositae family. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1993;92(5):660-667. View abstract.
Garcia Ortiz, J. C., Cosmes, P. M., and Lopez-Asunsolo, A. Allergy to foods in patients monosensitized to Artemisia pollen. Allergy 1996;51(12):927-931. View abstract.
Hatsukari, I., Hitosugi, N., Ohno, R., Nakamura, S., Mizukami, S., Nagasaka, H., Matsumoto, I., Kikuchi, H., Nishikawa, H., Niitsu, M., Kawase, M., Negoro, T., Satoh, K., Nakashima, H., and Sakagami, H. Partial purification of cytotoxic substances from moxa extract. Anticancer Res 2002;22(5):2777-2782. View abstract.
Herold, D. A., Wahl, R., Maasch, H. J., Hausen, B. M., and Kunkel, G. Occupational wood-dust sensitivity from Euonymus europaeus (spindle tree) and investigation of cross reactivity between E.e. wood and Artemisia vulgaris pollen (mugwort). Allergy 1991;46(3):186-190. View abstract.
Hiltermann, T. J., de Bruijne, C. R., Stolk, J., Zwinderman, A. H., Spieksma, F. T., Roemer, W., Steerenberg, P. A., Fischer, P. H., van Bree, L., and Hiemstra, P. S. Effects of photochemical air pollution and allergen exposure on upper respiratory tract inflammation in asthmatics. Am J Respir.Crit Care Med 1997;156(6):1765-1772. View abstract.
Himly, M., Jahn-Schmid, B., Dedic, A., Kelemen, P., Wopfner, N., Altmann, F., van Ree, R., Briza, P., Richter, K., Ebner, C., and Ferreira, F. Art v 1, the major allergen of mugwort pollen, is a modular glycoprotein with a defensin-like and a hydroxyproline-rich domain. FASEB J. 2003;17(1):106-108. View abstract.
Hirschwehr, R., Heppner, C., Spitzauer, S., Sperr, W. R., Valent, P., Berger, U., Horak, F., Jager, S., Kraft, D., and Valenta, R. Identification of common allergenic structures in mugwort and ragweed pollen. J.Allergy Clin.Immunol. 1998;101(2 Pt 1):196-206. View abstract.
Hitosugi, N., Ohno, R., Hatsukari, I., Mizukami, S., Nagasaka, H., Matsumoto, I., Komatsu, N., Fujimaki, M., Nakashima, H., Satoh, K., and Sakagami, H. Diverse biological activities of moxa extract and smoke. In Vivo 2001;15(3):249-254. View abstract.
Jahn-Schmid, B., Kelemen, P., Himly, M., Bohle, B., Fischer, G., Ferreira, F., and Ebner, C. The T cell response to Art v 1, the major mugwort pollen allergen, is dominated by one epitope. J.Immunol. 11-15-2002;169(10):6005-6011. View abstract.
Jimeno, L., Duffort, O., Serrano, C., Barber, D., and Polo, F. Monoclonal antibody-based ELISA to quantify the major allergen of Artemisia vulgaris pollen, Art v 1. Allergy 2004;59(9):995-1001. View abstract.
Kadocsa, E. and Juhasz, M. [Lawn grass (Poaceae) causing hayfever in the South Plain of Hungary. Results of aeropalinologic and allergologic studies 1989-95]. Orv.Hetil. 4-6-1997;138(14):851-854. View abstract.
Leitner, A., Vogel, M., Radauer, C., Breiteneder, H., Stadler, B. M., Scheiner, O., Kraft, D., and Jensen-Jarolim, E. A mimotope defined by phage display inhibits IgE binding to the plant panallergen profilin. Eur.J Immunol. 1998;28(9):2921-2927. View abstract.
May, K. L. [Sensitivity to mugwort pollen allergens (Artemisia vulgaris)]. Pol.Tyg.Lek. 10-15-1990;45(42-44):861-863. View abstract.
Mizushina, Y., Takahashi, N., Ogawa, A., Tsurugaya, K., Koshino, H., Takemura, M., Yoshida, S., Matsukage, A., Sugawara, F., and Sakaguchi, K. The cyanogenic glucoside, prunasin (D-mandelonitrile-beta-D-glucoside), is a novel inhibitor of DNA polymerase beta. J Biochem.(Tokyo) 1999;126(2):430-436. View abstract.
Nilsen, B. M. and Paulsen, B. S. Isolation and characterization of a glycoprotein allergen, Art v II, from pollen of mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris L.). Mol.Immunol. 1990;27(10):1047-1056. View abstract.
Park, H. S., Kim, J. W., and Hong, C. S. Immunoelectron-microscopic localization of IgE binding site of mugwort pollen. J.Korean Med.Sci. 1993;8(1):30-33. View abstract.
Rossi, R. E. and Monasterolo, G. A pilot study of feasibility of ultra-rush (20-25 minutes) sublingual-swallow immunotherapy in 679 patients (699 sessions) with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma. Int J Immunopathol.Pharmacol 2005;18(2):277-285. View abstract.
Sakagami, H., Matsumoto, H., Satoh, K., Shioda, S., Ali, C. S., Hashimoto, K., Kikuchi, H., Nishikawa, H., Terakubo, S., Shoji, Y., Nakashima, H., and Shimada, J. Cytotoxicity and radical modulating activity of Moxa smoke. In Vivo 2005;19(2):391-397. View abstract.
Schmid-Grendelmeier, P., Holzmann, D., Himly, M., Weichel, M., Tresch, S., Ruckert, B., Menz, G., Ferreira, F., Blaser, K., Wuthrich, B., and Crameri, R. Native Art v 1 and recombinant Art v 1 are able to induce humoral and T cell-mediated in vitro and in vivo responses in mugwort allergy. J.Allergy Clin.Immunol. 2003;111(6):1328-1336. View abstract.
Silny, W., Kuchta, D., Siatecka, D., and Silny, P. [Antigen specific immunoglobulin E to grass and weed pollens in the plasma of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis]. Otolaryngol.Pol. 1999;53(1):55-58. View abstract.
Stenius-Aarniala, B. S., Malmberg, C. H., Holopainen, E. E., and Bjorksten, F. In vivo tests with pollen extracts previously investigated by means of direct RAST titration allergen assay. Clin Allergy 1978;8(4):411-418. View abstract.
Valenta, R., Duchene, M., Ebner, C., Valent, P., Sillaber, C., Deviller, P., Ferreira, F., Tejkl, M., Edelmann, H., Kraft, D., and . Profilins constitute a novel family of functional plant pan-allergens. J Exp Med 2-1-1992;175(2):377-385. View abstract.
Wopfner, N., Willeroidee, M., Hebenstreit, D., van Ree, R., Aalbers, M., Briza, P., Thalhamer, J., Ebner, C., Richter, K., and Ferreira, F. Molecular and immunological characterization of profilin from mugwort pollen. Biol.Chem. 2002;383(11):1779-1789. View abstract.
Bauer L, Ebner C, Hirschwehr R, et al. IgE cross-reactivity between birch pollen, mugwort pollen, and celery is due to three distinct cross-reacting allergens: immunoblot investigation of the birch-mugwort-celery syndrome. Clin Exp Allergy 1996;26:1161-70. View abstract.
Caballero T, Pascual C, Garcia-Ara MC, Ojeda JA, Martin-Esteban M. IgE crossreactivity between mugwort pollen (Artemisia vulgaris) and hazelnut (Abellana nux) in sera from patients with sensitivity to both extracts. Clin Exp Allergy 1997;27:1203-11. View abstract.
Diez-Gomez, M. L., Quirce, S., Cuevas, M., Sanchez-Fernandez, C., Baz, G., Moradiellos, F. J., and Martinez, A. Fruit-pollen-latex cross-reactivity: implication of profilin (Bet v 2). Allergy 1999;54(9):951-961. View abstract.
Fetrow CW, Avila JR. Professional's Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicines. 1st ed. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corp., 1999.
Figueroa, J., Blanco, C., Dumpierrez, A. G., Almeida, L., Ortega, N., Castillo, R., Navarro, L., Perez, E., Gallego, M. D., and Carrillo, T. Mustard allergy confirmed by double-blind placebo-controlled food challenges: clinical features and cross-reactivity with mugwort pollen and plant-derived foods. Allergy 2005;60(1):48-55. View abstract.
Gonzalez, E. M., Villalba, M., and Rodriguez, R. Allergenic cross-reactivity of olive pollen. Allergy 2000;55(7):658-663. View abstract.
Katial, R. K., Lin, F. L., Stafford, W. W., Ledoux, R. A., Westley, C. R., and Weber, R. W. Mugwort and sage (Artemisia) pollen cross-reactivity: ELISA inhibition and immunoblot evaluation. Ann.Allergy Asthma Immunol. 1997;79(4):340-346. View abstract.
Kurzen, M., Bayerl, C., and Goerdt, S. [Occupational allergy to mugwort]. J Dtsch.Dermatol Ges 2003;1(4):285-290. View abstract.
Lombardi C, Senna GE, Gatti B, et al. Allergic reactions to honey and royal jelly and their relationship with sensitization to compositae. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) 1998;26:288-90. View abstract.
Moore M. Herbal Materia Medica fifth edition, Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Bisbee, AZ 1995.
Ogawa R, Hyankusoju H, Ogawa K, Nakao C. Effectiveness of mugwort lotion for the treatment of post-burn hypertrophic scars. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2008;61:210-2. View abstract.
Ortega N, Quiralte N, Blanco C, et al. Tobacco allergy: demonstration of cross-reactivity with other members of Solanaceae family and mugwort pollen. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 1999;82:194-7. View abstract.
Pastorello, E. A., Pravettoni, V., Farioli, L., Rivolta, F., Conti, A., Ispano, M., Fortunato, D., Bengtsson, A., and Bianchi, M. Hypersensitivity to mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) in patients with peach allergy is due to a common lipid transfer protein allergen and is often without clinical expression. J.Allergy Clin.Immunol. 2002;110(2):310-317. View abstract.
Rudeschko, O., Fahlbusch, B., Steurich, F., Schlenvoigt, G., and Jager, L. Kiwi allergens and their cross-reactivity with birch, rye, timothy, and mugwort pollen. J.Investig.Allergol.Clin.Immunol. 1998;8(2):78-84. View abstract.
Sten, E., Stahl, Skov P., Andersen, S. B., Torp, A. M., Olesen, A., Bindslev-Jensen, U., Poulsen, L. K., and Bindslev-Jensen, C. Allergenic components of a novel food, Micronesian nut Nangai (Canarium indicum), shows IgE cross-reactivity in pollen allergic patients. Allergy 2002;57(5):398-404. View abstract.
Subiza J, Subiza JL, Hinojosa M, et al. Anaphylactic reaction after the ingestion of chamomile tea; a study of cross-reactivity with other composite pollens. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1989;84:353-8. View abstract.
Wuthrich, B. and Dietschi, R. [The celery-carrot-mugwort-condiment syndrome: skin test and RAST results]. Schweiz.Med Wochenschr. 3-16-1985;115(11):258-264. View abstract.