Mugwort, also known as Artemisia vulgaris, is a perennial plant native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is now grown in many parts of the world, including North America. Mugwort has been used for various purposes in traditional systems of medicine and is still used today for its potential health benefits. Some of the common uses of mugwort include:
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Digestive problems: Mugwort is taken orally to promote digestion, stimulate gastric juice and bile secretion, and treat stomach and intestinal conditions such as colic, diarrhea, constipation, cramps, weak digestion, worm infestations, and persistent vomiting.
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Menstrual issues: Women take mugwort for irregular periods and other menstrual problems.
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High blood pressure: Mugwort is promoted as a potential treatment for high blood pressure when taken orally.
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Sedative and liver tonic: Mugwort is also used as a sedative, laxative, and liver tonic.
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Itching caused by hypertrophic scars: Topical application of mugwort lotion is promoted for itching caused by hypertrophic scars.
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Moxibustion: The main use of mugwort is in a technique called moxibustion, where the herb is burned over a specific part of the body based on the practitioners goals.
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Flavoring food and alcohol: Mugwort is used to flavor food and is an ingredient in some alcoholic beverages.
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Insect repellent: Mugwort has been used as an insect repellent.
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Potential anti-inflammatory effects: Chemicals in mugwort might have anti-inflammatory effects.
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Potential uterine stimulation: Mugwort contains a chemical called thujone, which might stimulate the uterus.
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Other uses: Mugwort has been used for various conditions, including anxiety, colic, insomnia, osteoarthritis, and as a general tonic and energy booster, but there is limited scientific evidence to support these uses.
