Description

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is in Greek known as artemisia i koini, apsidia, pisidia, meletini, etc. It belongs to the Asteraceae (Compositae) family. It is a very common perennial, self-sown, aromatic plant which belongs to the same family and gender with absinthium. In Greece it grows in mountainous areas, in altitudes 2200-3200m, especially in Epirus and Thessaly. Its leaves are dark green and white on the underside, narrow and pinnate, usually reaching more than 8cm long. Stems have a red-purplish tinge and many branches. Flowers have 5mm diameter and appear late in the summer. They are arranged in long, cylindrical capitula which shape branched, racemose panicles. Plant reaches a height of 1.5m.



Constituents

Mugwort contains volatile oils (cineol and thujone), bitter principles, tannin, insuline, gluconic principles (absinthin and anabsinthin), vitamins A, B1, B2, C, etc. Its taste is bitter and aromatic.



History

Mugwort is frequently mentioned in Greek and Roman texts of the 1st century AD and in Chinese medical texts of 500 AD or even older. Romans used to plant mugwort by the roadsides and soldiers used to put it in their sandals to protect their feet against fatigue. It is still believed to relieve aching feet.



Blossom, collection, parts used

Root, flower stems and leaves are used for herbal remedies. Flower stems and leaves are collected in August and root is collected in October.



Properties

Mugwort stimulates the digestive system. Its bitter principals and volatile oils stimulate the secretion of digestive fluids and it can help in cases of lack of appetite. It helps digestion acting as an antiflatulent at the same time. As a mild nervine tonic, it aids depression and tense, as long as the specific volatile oil is not destroyed in the preparation of the infusion. Mugwort may also be used as an emmenagogue in the aiding of normal menstrual flow. It is also used for diabetes, obesity and rachitis. It also dilates blood vessels, reduces high blood pressure and reduces edemas caused by urinary retention.



Dosage

To prepare n infusion, pour one cup of boiling water onto 1-2 teaspoonfuls of dried herb and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. Filter and drink up to three times daily. Mugwort is also used as a flavoring in some aperitif drinks. If consumed in the form of a tincture, daily dosage is 1-4ml daily.



Precautions

Large dosage in long time periods is to be avoided as it can result in reduction of blood pressure, bradycardia and arrhythmia. Use should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.



*Sakis Kouvatsos, “Chaniotika nea”