Is mugwort antifungal?

What kind of mugwort has antifungal activity?

Artemisia vulgaris, commonly called mugwort, is the species directly relevant here. Essential oil extracted from the leaves of mugwort grown in Brazil showed fungicidal activity, meaning it killed Candida albicans under the test conditions. Candida albicans is a yeast, a type of fungus. The tested material was an isolated essential oil, not a finished face cream, toner or serum.13

Other Artemisia species have also been tested against Candida albicans. In a comparison of oils from four species, including Artemisia vulgaris, antifungal activity varied, and Artemisia abrotanum preparations had the strongest activity. The word Artemisia names a whole plant genus, not an antifungal department.2

Does a mugwort toner or cream do the same thing?

You cannot assume the same effect from the ingredient name alone. Artemisia preparations differ chemically, even when they come from the same species, and raw extracts have generally shown less antifungal activity than essential oils. An essential oil tested against a fungus is not the same thing as a toner with a botanical name, however much work that name does on the bottle.2

Growing region matters too: mugwort oils from different countries have different mixtures of compounds. Mugwort contains several classes of plant chemicals, including flavonoids, phenolic acids and terpenes. Its biological activity depends on the preparation, rather than on the word mugwort being present. There is no established mugwort skincare strength, application schedule or clearing time for fungal infections here.124

Does mugwort work against every skin fungus?

No broad claim is justified from activity against Candida albicans alone. Fungal skin infections can involve yeasts, dermatophytes, the fungi responsible for ringworm and athlete's foot, or moulds. Even established antifungal medicines differ in which fungi they treat. A Candida result is not a treatment plan for every rash suspected of being fungal.3

What should you use for a fungal skin infection?

Use an antifungal medicine suited to the infection rather than relying on mugwort. Medicines such as clotrimazole, miconazole and terbinafine target fungal growth or survival. Confirming a suspected infection with diagnostic testing is ideal when feasible. Many topical antifungals are available without a prescription and can treat a localised infection, though recurrence is common.35

For example, topical miconazole treats ringworm, jock itch and athlete's foot, depending on the product label. Wash and thoroughly dry the affected area, then apply a thin layer as directed, usually morning and night. Keep miconazole out of the eyes and mouth; it does not work on the scalp or nails. Symptoms should improve within two weeks for jock itch or four weeks for ringworm and athlete's foot.6

When should you get medical help?

See a doctor if an infection is extensive, severe, affects the scalp or beard, or resists topical treatment. Avoid combining an antifungal with a topical steroid unless your clinician specifically directs it: steroids can worsen fungal skin infections.35

If using miconazole, stop and call your doctor for burning, irritation or a rash, and seek advice if symptoms worsen or fail to improve within the expected treatment period. Before using miconazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist about allergies, medicines and supplements, and pregnancy or breastfeeding.6