Background
- Mugwort is a perennial plant that is native to Europe and parts of Asia and Africa. It now grows in many parts of the world, including North America.
- Historically, mugwort has been used in traditional systems of medicine in different parts of the world.
- Today, mugwort taken orally (by mouth) is promoted for digestive problems, irregular menstruation, and high blood pressure. It is also promoted as a sedative, laxative, and liver tonic.
- Mugwort lotion applied topically (to the skin) is promoted for itching caused by hypertrophic scars (visible, raised scars that can sometimes cause restricted movement of muscles, joints, and tendons).
How Much Do We Know?
- Very little research has been done on mugwort in people.
What Have We Learned?
- One preliminary study shows that a topical lotion containing mugwort and menthol relieves itching associated with hypertrophic scars from severe burns. Because it’s only one very small study, definite conclusions cannot be made.
- There’s not enough evidence to say whether mugwort is beneficial for any other conditions.
What Do We Know About Safety?
Keep in Mind
- Take charge of your health—talk with your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Together, you can make shared, well-informed decisions.
NCCIH Clearinghouse
The NCCIH Clearinghouse provides information on NCCIH and complementary and integrative health approaches, including publications and searches of Federal databases of scientific and medical literature. The Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations, or referrals to practitioners.
Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226
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PubMed®
A service of the National Library of Medicine, PubMed® contains publication information and (in most cases) brief summaries of articles from scientific and medical journals. For guidance from NCCIH on using PubMed, see How To Find Information About Complementary Health Approaches on PubMed.
Website: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), National Institutes of Health (NIH)
ODS seeks to strengthen knowledge and understanding of dietary supplements by evaluating scientific information, supporting research, sharing research results, and educating the public. Its resources include publications (such as Dietary Supplements: What You Need To Know) and fact sheets on a variety of specific supplement ingredients and products (such as vitamin D and multivitamin/mineral supplements).
Website: https://ods.od.nih.gov
Email: ods@nih.gov (link sends email)
Key References
- Abiri R, Silva ALM, de Mesquita LSS, et al. Towards a better understanding of Artemisia vulgaris: botany, phytochemistry, pharmacological and biotechnological potential. Food Research International. 2018;109:403-415.
- Mugwort. Natural Medicines website. Accessed at naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com on April 20, 2020. [Database subscription].
- Ogawa R, Hyakusoku H, Ogawa K, et al. Effectiveness of mugwort lotion for the treatment of post-burn hypertrophic scars. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. 2008;61(2):210-212.
- Rabello FB, Souza CD, Farina Júnior JA. Update on hypertrophic scar treatment. Clinics. 2014;69(8):565-573.