Mugwort- The Weed With Potential Health Benefits

Updated on March 11th, 2020
Mugwort

Not all weeds are harmful; some come with benefits like mugwort. Mugwort is a herb that has been used for medicinal purposes for over 1000 years across the globe. It goes by the botanical name of Artemisia Vulgaris. This plant has played a major role in Chinese acupuncture to treat health issues like menstrual pain, irregular menstrual cycles, etc.

The leaves, flowers, and roots are known to offer health benefits as they are made up of flavonoids, triterpenes, antioxidants, and Vitamin K, A and E. Mugwort also offers potassium, calcium, iron and B vitamins in high amounts.

Nutritional Facts

6 gms serving of mugwort serves the following nutrition

Calories 15
Carbohydrates 2 g
Protein 2 g
  • Also contains some traces of Folate and Vitamin K.

Why Try Mugwort?

1. Reduces Anxiety and Depression

The plant has nervine effects and helps treat anxiety, stress, and chronic depression. It relaxes the nervous system and improves the metabolic system of your body, which invariably reduces the symptoms of anxiety and offers a better quality of life.

2. Aids Weight Loss

Mugwort benefits in weight loss. It contains vitamin B complex (1) in large amounts, which boosts the metabolic rate of your body and allows the body to burn more fat. It also improves the overall functionality and increases the energy levels of the body.

3. Calms the Nervous System

Mugwort essential oil has therapeutic properties on the brain and nervous system. It is a natural anti-hysteric and anti-epileptic remedy. It soothes the brain and stimulates tranquility and relaxation. This element also reduces the chances of an epileptic attack. You can use this oil to boost your memory and mental levels naturally.

4. Reduces Menstrual Pain

Menstrual Cramps
Image:ShutterStock

If you have experienced terrible pain, discomfort, or suffer from PMS, you must try the mugwort herb. This oil helps to regulate normal flow and helps keep them regular by preventing any obstruction in the blood flow from the uterus. It also reduces symptoms of nausea, bloating, shoulder pain, abdominal pain caused during menstruation.

It also improves and maintains the good health of the reproductive system.

[Read: Home Remedies for Menstrual Cramps]

5. Improves Digestion

To curb down on all digestive and stomach disorders, you must try its essential oil. The herb increases the secretion of digestive enzymes and bile in the body, which improves digestion and ensures the proper breakdown of food. This allows the nutrients to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

IBS, flatulence, Indigestion, stomach ache can be treated naturally by using this herb.

6. Improves Growth Rate in Children

Children are mostly affected by worms in the stomach, which leads to poor intestinal health, a bacterial infection that reduces appetite and reduces the growth rate. The oil extracted from mugwort seeds is an effective remedy to treat intestinal worms, tapeworms(2), and roundworms. This boosts growth in children and helps to absorb nutrients from the food consumed.

[Read: Mugwort Tea Benefits]

7. Detoxifies the Body

The anti-diuretic properties of mugwort increase the frequency of urine. Urine is a body’s natural way of removing toxins from the body. Drinking mugwort tea is known to clean the bladder and kidney, which eliminates all toxins from the body and improves the efficiency and functioning of the organs. It may also make you sweat more, which is another natural way of eliminating toxins from the body.

8. Improves Immunity

immunity
Image: Shutterstock

Drinking this tea boosts your immunity as it contains Vitamin C and antioxidants that are required for the overall health of the body. Vitamin C produces more WBC that prevents any radical damage caused to the cells that weakens the body’s fighting mechanism.

9. Improves Vision

Vitamin A improves eye health. It is abundantly found in it, and helps reduce occurrences of cataracts and prevents macular degeneration of the eye.

[ Read: Vitamins for Dry Eye ]

10. Acts as a Stimulant

This oil is an effective stimulant and stimulates all systems in the body. It improves the endocrine system, the circulatory system of the body by increasing the production of enzymes and hormones.

Since it’s a stimulant, it also induces regular menstrual cycles and helps in the healthy functioning of the reproductive system.

Side-effects You Must Remember

  • Avoid taking it in high doses as it can be highly toxic and an irritant.
  • It is important to dilute the oil with another carrier oil. However, diffuse intermittently for not more than 30 minutes, as it may lead to narcotic effects on your nervous system.
  • If there are symptoms of giddiness, fainting, or headache, stop immediately.
  • Avoid using this during pregnancy or during an abortion.
  • Never drink mugwort oil.
  • Consult a physician before using it topically on children.
  • Always do a patch test to avoid any sensitive, allergic reactions.

Takeaway

This herb comprises 75 identified chemicals. Proper use of this will improve digestion and have a relaxing effect on the body. This dosage of this plant is decided based on age, health condition, and other existing medical conditions. Although it is a natural product, it could be unsafe for some.

If you are on existing medication, consult your doctor before adhering to this regime to avoid any further aggravated health condition.


FAQs

1. Can Mugwort Herb Cause a Miscarriage?

Mugwort can cause uterine contractions. As it stimulates menstruation, it may lead to a miscarriage.

2. Is It a Hallucinogen?

Yes, it may act like one. Tea made from this herb can act as a painkiller and cause hallucinations.

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