9 Astounding Mugwort Essential Oil Benefits & Uses

By Essential Oils Informer February 15, 2016 Essential Oils, Essential Oils for Aromatherapy, Essential Oils for Breathing, Essential Oils for Cleaning, Essential Oils for Cooking, Essential Oils for Healing 0 Comments

Artemisia /ˌɑːrtᵻˈmiːziə/ is a large, diverse genus of plants with between 200 and 400 species belonging to the daisy family Asteraceae. Common names for various species in the genus include mugwort, wormwood, and sagebrush.

Artemisia comprises hardy herbaceous plants and shrubs, which are known for the powerful chemical constituents in their essential oils. Artemisia species grow in temperate climates of both hemispheres, usually in dry or semiarid habitats. Notable species include A. vulgaris (common mugwort), A. tridentata (big sagebrush), A. annua (sagewort), A. absinthium (wormwood), A. dracunculus (tarragon), and A. abrotanum (southernwood). The leaves of many species are covered with white hairs.

Most species have strong aromas and bitter tastes from terpenoids and sesquiterpene lactones, which discourage herbivory, and may have had a selective advantage. The small flowers are wind-pollinated.[5]Artemisia species are used as food plants by the larvae of a number of Lepidoptera species.

Some botanists split the genus into several genera, but DNA analysis does not support the maintenance of the genera Crossostephium, Filifolium, Neopallasia, Seriphidium, and Sphaeromeria; three other segregate genera Stilnolepis, Elachanthemum, and Kaschgaria, are maintained by this evidence. Occasionally, some of the species are called sages, causing confusion with the Salvia sages in the family Lamiaceae.

Cultivation and uses

The aromatic leaves of some species are used for flavouring. Most species have an extremely bitter taste. A. dracunculus (tarragon) is widely used as a culinary herb, particularly important in French cuisine.

Artemisia absinthium (absinth wormwood) was used to repel fleas and moths, and in brewing (wormwood beer, wormwood wine). The aperitif vermouth (derived from the German word Wermut, “wormwood”) is a wine flavored with aromatic herbs, but originally with wormwood. The highly potent spirits absinthe and Malört also contain wormwood.

Artemisia arborescens (tree wormwood, or sheeba in Arabic) is a very bitter herb indigenous to the Middle East used in tea, usually with mint. A few species are grown as ornamental plants, the fine-textured ones used for clipped bordering. All grow best in free-draining sandy soil, unfertilized, and in full sun.

Artemisia stelleriana is known as Dusty Miller, but several other species bear that name, including Jacobaea maritima (syn. Senecio cineraria),Silene coronaria (syn. Lychnis coronaria), and Centaurea cineraria.

Medicinal

Artemisinin (from Artemisia annua) and derivatives are a group of compounds with the most rapid action of all current drugs used to treat malaria. Treatments containing an artemisinin derivative (artemisinin-combination therapies) are now standard treatment worldwide for malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum.
Artemisia cina and other Old World species are the source of the antihelminthic drug, santonin.
Chinese mugwort, Artemisia argyi, is used in the traditional Chinese medicine.
Artemisia capillaris Thunberg (A. capillaris) has been found to have potent sedative-hypnotic effects, which are probably mediated through potentiation of the GABA_A receptor- Cl^– ion channel complex

Culture

Artemisia has been mentioned and used in popular culture for centuries. A few examples are:

Artemisia herba-alba is thought to be the plant translated as “wormwood” in English language versions of the Bible (apsinthos in the Greek text). Wormwood is mentioned seven times in the Jewish Bible, always with the implication of bitterness. It is mentioned once in the New Testament. Wormwood is the “name of the star” in the Book of Revelation 8:11 (kai to onoma tou asteros legetai ho Apsinthos) that John of Patmos envisions as cast by the angel and falling into the waters, making them undrinkably bitter. Further references in the Bible show wormwood was a common herb known for its bitter taste. (Deuteronomy 29:17, Proverbs 5:4, Jeremiah 9:14, 25:15,Lamentations 3:15,19, Amos 5:7)
In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the titular character says “Wormwood, wormwood” to comment on the bitter implications of what the Player Queen has just said.

What is Mugwort Essential Oil?

The leaves and flowers of the Artemisia vulgaris plant are steamed distilled to form the essential oil. The oil is primarily produced in France, Germany and in the Far East. The artemisia used in the East is usually A. moxa and A. sinensis, which is prepared into sticks for moxibustion, a process that is combined with acupuncture to create a deeper and more potent form of therapy.

Origin of Mugwort Essential Oil

This aromatic perennial herb has red-purple stems and deeply cut, dark green leaves with white undersides. Panicles of tiny red-brown flowers appear in summer. It was traditionally used as a charm to protect against evil and danger. In Chinese medicine, the dried, compressed leaves (moxa) are used to briefly warm the skin in case of internal cold. As a herb, it was used as a digestive stimulant, a diuretic, and a nerve tonic.

In Europe, Mugwort herb has been held in association with witchcraft and was seen as a protective charm against evil and danger. The oil is a yellow-orange mobile liquid with a blue-violet tinge and an intensely sweet, almost floral citrus scent. It blends well with citrus oils, especially neroli, and with spice oils such as nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove. Mugwort oil is extremely popular as a fragrance component in soaps, colognes and perfumes. In the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia Mugwort is specifically listed for amenorrhea and dysmenorrhoea.

Extraction

Mugwort oil is extracted from the leaves and flowering tops.

Chemical composition

The main chemical components of mugwort oil are a-thujone, b-thujone, 1,8-cineole, camphene and camphone.

Health Benefits of Mugwort Essential Oil

1.) Anti-Epileptic & Anti-Hysteric

The soothing and the relaxing effects of this oil on the brain and the nervous system makes it calm down any epileptic and hysteric attacks when they occur, while in the long run, it can even cure epilepsy and hysteria to a great extent.

2.) Emenagogue

Blocked menstruations can be restarted with the help of this essential oil and can be made more regular. Furthermore, other problems associated with periods, such as fatigue, headache, abdominal pains, and nausea can also be tackled with the help of this oil. This essential oil can also help avoid early or untimely menopause.

3.) Cordial

This oil has a warming effect on the body, which can be used to counter the effects of cold temperatures and moisture in the air. It also helps to fight infections.

4.) Digestive

The Essential Oil of Mugwort is very efficient in curing digestive disorders that result from an abnormal flow of digestive juices or due to microbial infections. It regulates or stimulates the flow of digestive juices to facilitate digestion, along with inhibiting microbial infections in the stomach and the intestines to cure digestive disorders.

5.) Diuretic

This property may be a great help for those who are suffering from chronic renal failure and an accumulation of water in the body or those who are suffering from renal calculi, obesity, hypertension, and symptoms associated with the accumulation of toxins in the body, such as rheumatism, arthritis, and gout. Being a diuretic, Mugwort Essential Oil increases urination, both in frequency and quantity, which helps remove excess water, salts, fat (urine contains fats up to 4% of the total urine), and toxins like uric acid. This gives effective protection from the symptoms discussed above and makes the body feel lighter. This also facilitates digestion and increases appetite.

6.) Nervine

This oil acts as a tonic for the nerves. It is effective in treating nervous afflictions and disorders, as well as in strengthening the nerves. Being a relaxant and a stimulant at the same time, this essential oil sedates the nerves’ afflictions and relaxes them in cases of shock or hyper-reactivity, while also stimulating them to make us more active and alert.

7.) Stimulant

The effect of a stimulant can be seen on all the organs and the systems functioning in the body. Mugwort Essential Oil stimulates almost all the functions in the body, including circulation, the secretion of hormones and enzymes from endocrinal glands, the discharge of bile and other gastric juices into the stomach, the stimulation of nervous responses, neurons in the brain, palpitations, respiration, peristaltic motion of the intestines, menstrual discharges, and production and secretion of milk in the breasts. Many of these effects are due to its stimulating effects on certain hormones that regulate bodily functions.

8.) Uterine

This oil maintains proper health of the uterus. It maintains proper uterine discharges and stimulates the production of certain hormones that keep the uterus functioning properly and safe from the effects of aging. It also protects it from uterine ulcers and tumours.

9.) Vermifuge

The Essential Oil of Mugwort kills intestinal worms due to its toxic nature, but it should be administered in very mild doses to children. It is effective on both roundworms and tapeworms. Worms hinder normal growth and the absorption of nutrients in the body, making the body weak. Mugwort Oil can re-establish a normal growth pattern and bring strength back to the body by eliminating these worms.

Other Benefits: It is used to treat amenorrhea and dysmenorrhoea. It is also used to improve concentration and memory, particularly when mixed with essential oils of rosemary and sage.

Uses of Mugwort Essential Oil

In aromatherapy, only one drop should be used occasionally in a carrier oil in massage treatment. The essential oil is good for women’s complaints and supports the womb. It eases painful menstrual cramps, relaxes tension through the abdominal area and encourages blood flow when periods are delayed or scanty. With skin complaints mugwort is said to alleviate eczema, acne and psoriasis. It is also helpful with actinic keratosis, reducing the abnormal cell production and promoting healthy cell growth.
In acupuncture, moxa brings the inherent energy or chi to the surface. It is used in cold, deficiency states of chronic disease. Likewise, mugwort essential oil can be used to bring heat into the body support the immune system in cases of weakness and lingering illness.
When burned, either as moxa or as an essential oil in aroma lamp, mugwort is uplifting and relaxing. It has a warming quality that seems to penetrate deep into the bones. Like a warm blanket, the scent seems to encircle you with a sense of security and protection. It is calming and is great for anxiety and moments of hysteria and overwhelm.

Mugwort and Thujone Toxicity

Some consider this a toxic oil that should never be used in any way because it contains alpha-thujone, the less toxic type of thujone. Thujones are also present in sage, nutmeg, tansy, yarrow, and wormwood. Contrary to claims on the web, no research has shown that thujone is a carcinogen (in fact, the MSDS for this essential oil says it is NOT carcinogenic). It hasn’t been shown to be a neurotoxin, either, but very little research has been done on this essential oil. Thujone does kill some bugs and molluscs, and a small study showed that alpha- and beta-thujones have a negative effect on concentration. Also, a fellow who drank 10 ml (about 1/3 ounce) of wormwood essential oil ended up dead of kidney failure. Never ingest any essential oils, but especially not those containing thujone. There is more thujone in rosemary than in mugwort; sage has more thujone than any other plant, and in fact, the FDA considers sage to be a toxic herb. Don’t use this oil if you have epilepsy.

SUMMARY

Today, mugwort is known as an exemplary dream herb, many have reported that if mugwort is used as a tea before bed, or even just sprinkled around your pillow, a person may have lucid dreams that night. Similarly, mugwort essential oil may be diffused into a bedroom or diluted and used as a pillow spray in dreamwork. Due to its thujone content, mugwort oil should always be used sparingly in dilution, and should never be taken internally. A few drops of a mugwort oil blend in a diffuser or room spray are all it takes to induce vivid, memorable dreams that can be recalled upon waking.

PRECAUTIONS

Specific: Not for use in pregnancy except under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.

General: We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

Combining With Other Essential Oils

Mugwort has a herbaceous, camphorous, sage-like scent. Try combining its assertive fragrance with the natural perfumes of ambrette, amyris, angelica root, balsam fir, basil, benzoin, bergamot, caraway, carrot seed, cedarleaf, chamomile, cistus, clary sage, clove bud, cypress, eucalyptus, frankincense, guaiacwood, gurjun balsam, juniper, labdanum, lavandin, lemon, lemongrass, myrrh, oakmoss, orris, patchouli, pine, rosemary, sage, spearmint, tonka bean.