Mugwort

Identity

Common Name

Mugwort

Scientific Name

Artemisia vulgaris

Botanical Family

Asteraceae

Native Region

Europe and temperate Asia

Cultivation Regions

Europe, Asia, North America, Africa

Plant Parts Used

Leaves, Flowering tops

Synonyms

Common Mugwort, Ai Ye, Felon Herb

Caffeine Level

Caffeine Free

An erect tall perennial with deeply lobed pinnate dark green leaves with white woolly undersides and tall branching panicles of small reddish-brown rayless flower heads; the leaves and flowering tops are used.

Historical Background

Mugwort has been a protective and dream herb of European, Chinese, and Asian traditions for millennia, burned as moxa in TCM (ai ye) and woven into European midsummer charms. Its aromatic, lobed leaves brew a traditional digestive and dream tea, used with care for its thujone content.

Earliest recorded uses: European, Chinese, and Asian traditions for millennia; a protective dream and digestive herb; in TCM as moxa (ai ye).

Traditional Uses

These uses document historical traditions and do not imply proven effectiveness.

Flavor & Aroma

Aroma: Herbal, slightly bitter, aromatic, green

Tea Information

Research Summary

Mugwort has a long tradition as a digestive and dream herb; in TCM, moxa (ai ye) is used in moxibustion. Clinical evidence is insufficient and thujone limits internal use. It is not a treatment for digestive disorders, anxiety, or any disease; avoid in pregnancy and epilepsy.

Evidence levels reflect the currently available scientific literature and may change as new research emerges. Where evidence is limited or conflicting, this is stated plainly.

References & Sources