Mugwort
Botanical name: (Artemisia vulgaris)
Also Known As: Common wormwood
Shrubby perennial, Mugwort has dark green deeply indented leaves and numerous clusters of small reddish or yellow flower heads.
Mugwort was used from the earliest times in Europe and Asia. Roman centurions reputedly placed mugwort in their sandals to keep the soles of their feet in good shape. The Greek physician Dioscorides (1st century AD) recounted that the goddess Artemis (who inspired the plant's genus name) was believed to give succor to women in childbirth. The 13th—century Welsh herbal The Physicians of Myddfai recommended: 'If a woman be unable to give birth to her child let the mugwort be bound to her left thigh. Let it be instantly removed when she has been delivered, lest there should be hemorrhage.
A digestive and tonic herb, mugwort has a wide variety of traditional uses. Milder in action than most other Artemisia species, it can be taken over the long term at a low dose to improve appetite, digestive function, and absorption of nutrients.
In addition to encouraging the elimination of worms, mugwort increases bile flow and mildly induces the onset of menstruation. The European conception of mugwort as a uterine stimulant is contradicted by Chinese usage, in which it is prescribed to prevent miscarriage and to reduce or stop menstrual bleeding. Mugwort is also an antiseptic and has been used in the treatment of malaria.
Note: These statements have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration, and this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. We at eSutras do not recommend internal use of supplements or herbs without prior consultation with your doctor or herbalist.
