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MUGWORT Compositae ARTEMISIA VULGARIS (moxa-ai ye)
Chinese pharmaceutical name: folium artemisiae argyi
This herb of European origin grows on wasteground. It is also grown in China. The leaves are smooth green on the top and downy white underneath with deep lobes. The reddish-yellow flowers grow in spikes. It grows to about one meter (3 ft), and can be very straggly depending on soil conditions.
History
Mugwort is said to have got its common name from being used as an ingredient of beers before hops began to be used, the mug being the vessel or drinking cup. Another suggestion is that the name comes from a word for moths, as it has a reputation for keeping these insects at bay. In the Middle Ages it was believed that John the Baptist wore a girdle made from the herb, and one of its names is St John's plant; from this it probably derived the reputation of being protective of travelers, especially from evil influences. In China it is the basis of moxa, a substance made into sticks, which when burnt enhances the effects of acupuncture. Culpeper recommended it, "... for all disorders of the stomach, prevents sickness after meals and creates an appetite, but if made too strong, it disgusts the taste."
Parts used
Leaves.
Active constituents
Volatile oil, vulgarin (a sesquiterpene lactone), flavonoids, coumarin derivatives, triterpenes.
How it works in the body
Mugwort has been used for centuries to fight worms and if it is taken in small amounts over a prolonged period of time, Mugwort will indeed help in this respect. Other functions in the digestive system include its use as a bitter, to increase appetite and promote digestion. In the reproductive system, it brings on the onset of menstruation. In Chinese herbalism the reproductive system is again the main focus for this herb. It is used to warm the womb and stop bleeding where the cycle is prolonged, and for uterine bleeding due to cold from deficiency. It is also used in threatened miscarriage, but this should be under the supervision of a qualified medical or herbal practitioner. It is also used for infertility due to a cold womb, and for menstrual pain. If used externally in the form of a moxa stick on specific acupuncture points, it can be used to help turn breech babies in the womb. The Chinese properties are bitter, acrid, and warm.
Applications Use the tincture 1-2 ml (20-40 drops) twice daily; as an infusion take 100 ml (4 fl oz) twice daily. In Chinese medicine the dosage is 3-9 g (1/8-1/2 oz).
Indications - Delayed or irregular periods. - Loss of appetite, for example following illness. - Sluggish digestion, especially where there is poor absorption. - Externally to increase blood flow to injured muscles, aiding the healing of strains and sprains.
Contraindications
Do not use this herb in pregnancy. Do not exceed the dosage. Chinese cautions indicate it should not be used in cases of heat in the blood.
By Cary Heather
Father, husband, entrepreneur, musician, artist.
Chinese pharmaceutical name: folium artemisiae argyi
This herb of European origin grows on wasteground. It is also grown in China. The leaves are smooth green on the top and downy white underneath with deep lobes. The reddish-yellow flowers grow in spikes. It grows to about one meter (3 ft), and can be very straggly depending on soil conditions.
History
Mugwort is said to have got its common name from being used as an ingredient of beers before hops began to be used, the mug being the vessel or drinking cup. Another suggestion is that the name comes from a word for moths, as it has a reputation for keeping these insects at bay. In the Middle Ages it was believed that John the Baptist wore a girdle made from the herb, and one of its names is St John's plant; from this it probably derived the reputation of being protective of travelers, especially from evil influences. In China it is the basis of moxa, a substance made into sticks, which when burnt enhances the effects of acupuncture. Culpeper recommended it, "... for all disorders of the stomach, prevents sickness after meals and creates an appetite, but if made too strong, it disgusts the taste."
Parts used
Leaves.
Active constituents
Volatile oil, vulgarin (a sesquiterpene lactone), flavonoids, coumarin derivatives, triterpenes.
How it works in the body
Mugwort has been used for centuries to fight worms and if it is taken in small amounts over a prolonged period of time, Mugwort will indeed help in this respect. Other functions in the digestive system include its use as a bitter, to increase appetite and promote digestion. In the reproductive system, it brings on the onset of menstruation. In Chinese herbalism the reproductive system is again the main focus for this herb. It is used to warm the womb and stop bleeding where the cycle is prolonged, and for uterine bleeding due to cold from deficiency. It is also used in threatened miscarriage, but this should be under the supervision of a qualified medical or herbal practitioner. It is also used for infertility due to a cold womb, and for menstrual pain. If used externally in the form of a moxa stick on specific acupuncture points, it can be used to help turn breech babies in the womb. The Chinese properties are bitter, acrid, and warm.
Applications Use the tincture 1-2 ml (20-40 drops) twice daily; as an infusion take 100 ml (4 fl oz) twice daily. In Chinese medicine the dosage is 3-9 g (1/8-1/2 oz).
Indications - Delayed or irregular periods. - Loss of appetite, for example following illness. - Sluggish digestion, especially where there is poor absorption. - Externally to increase blood flow to injured muscles, aiding the healing of strains and sprains.
Contraindications
Do not use this herb in pregnancy. Do not exceed the dosage. Chinese cautions indicate it should not be used in cases of heat in the blood.
By Cary Heather
Father, husband, entrepreneur, musician, artist.