Mugwort uses and benefits

What is mugwort?

Common mugwort is Artemisia vulgaris, a plant in the Asteraceae family, also called the daisy family. Other Artemisia species have different names, compositions and uses, so an Artemisia claim is not automatically a common mugwort claim. Mugwort has a long history in Chinese, Hindu and European medicine, particularly for digestive and gynecological problems. In the Middle Ages, mugwort was called the "mother of herbs," a title that did not suffer from modest branding.2

What benefits does mugwort have for skin?

Mugwort extracts have shown biological activities including antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal effects. The plant contains several groups of compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids and essential oils. Those properties make mugwort interesting for research, but clearer skin, less redness and fewer breakouts are not established benefits in people. Mugwort is used in cosmetics in Europe, Asia and North America, giving a traditional herb an international career in bathroom cabinets.12

One preliminary study found that a lotion containing mugwort and menthol relieved itching in hypertrophic scars, which are raised scars that can follow burns. The contribution of mugwort remains uncertain because the lotion also contained menthol. That result is not a reason to expect mugwort alone to flatten scars.1

Is mugwort the same as wormwood or artemisinin?

Common mugwort, Artemisia vulgaris, is different from Artemisia absinthium, the wormwood associated with absinthe, and Artemisia annua, the source of the antimalarial medicine artemisinin. These plants belong to the same genus, a group of related species. Artemisinin's medical use is not a benefit you can transfer to a mugwort cosmetic or tea. Research across the Artemisia genus also leaves important questions about clinical benefits and safety unresolved.3

What about mugwort tea and herbal remedies?

Mugwort leaves are used for infusions and hot drinks. That is a food use, not an established treatment. Mugwort is promoted orally for anxiety, menstrual cramps, high blood pressure and insomnia, but its usefulness and safety for these purposes remain uncertain.14

How should you use mugwort in skincare?

There is no established mugwort strength, application frequency, morning or evening schedule, or time to results for treating a skin condition. Do not choose a higher concentration expecting a proven stronger effect. Mugwort's chemical composition varies with where the plant grows, so the ingredient name alone does not describe a standard preparation.12

Who should be careful with mugwort?

Mugwort belongs to the same plant family as chamomile, arnica, ragweed and chrysanthemums. This family can cause allergic contact dermatitis, an itchy skin inflammation caused by contact with an allergen. Reactions can come from plants, pollen or skincare containing their extracts. Sesquiterpene lactones are important allergens in this family. If you have a diagnosed Asteraceae contact allergy, avoid cosmetics containing extracts from this family. Allergy to one plant extract can accompany allergy to others with similar chemical structures.5

Mugwort is also an important airborne allergen in Eastern Europe and India. Airborne allergens can affect the eyes, nose and airways, and occasionally trigger or worsen skin conditions. A pollen reaction and a reaction to a cosmetic need assessment in their own context: investigations can include skin prick tests, allergy blood tests or patch tests, depending on the suspected reaction.6

What should make you stop using it?

Stop exposure if a mugwort product causes an itchy, red, dry or blistering rash. Seek medical assessment for swelling, blistering, a spreading rash or repeated reactions. A dermatologist can investigate suspected plant contact allergy with patch testing. Avoiding the responsible plant or extract is central to treatment; continued exposure can keep dermatitis active. Drinking an allergenic plant as tea can also cause widespread contact dermatitis, so changing the route is not a solution to a contact allergy.5

Can you use mugwort during pregnancy or with medicines?

Do not use mugwort during pregnancy. Safety during breastfeeding is poorly understood. If you take medicines, speak with your healthcare provider before using mugwort as an herbal product, because herbs and medicines can interact harmfully. Safety remains uncertain for both oral and topical mugwort use.1