Artemisia / Mugwort (“Moxa”) ~ Artemisia vulgaris

Artemisia / Mugwort, (“Moxa”)

Module 1 ~ Chinese

Latin name: Artemisia vulgaris (less often A. annua)

Family: Asteraceae

Part used: whole herb

Habitat:China (other species in Europe, N. America,Siberia

Main constituents: volatile oil (thujone), thujyl alcohol, glucoside (absinthin), tannin

Energetics: very bitter, acrid, warm

Main herbal actions: hemostatic, stomachic, tonic, anthelmintic, febrifuge, antiviral

Minor herbal actions: nervine, mental restorative

Main medicinal uses: excess bleeding, menstrual cramps (especially with cold), feeble digestion, flatulence, cold abdominal pain

Minor medicinal uses: jaundice, worms

Preparations: tincture: ½ – 1 drachm qd; infusion: 1 oz/pint water, drunk throughout day; pwd: 3-9 g qd

Contraindications: pregnancy (possible), lactation

Toxicity: none known

Notes: Used in TCM to calm the fetus and prevent miscarriage, burned as “moxa” in meridian therapy

Sources: Wren, R.C. Potter’s New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations; http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/w/wormwo37.html#comcon

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Mugwort

Module 2 ~ Western

Latin name: Artemisia vulgaris

Family:   Compositae

Part used:  flowering tops

Habitat: waste places in Europe, Asia

Main constituents: volatile oil (linalool, etc.), sesquiterpene lactone (vulgarin), flavonoids, coumarin derivatives

Energetics: aromatic, bitter, spicy, warming

Main herbal actions: emmenagogue, diaphoretic, choleretic, diuretic, stomachic

Minor herbal actions: orexigenic, vermifuge, bitter tonic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral

Main medicinal uses: amenorrhea, anorexia, dyspepsia

Minor medicinal uses: threadworm, roundworm, nausea and vomiting

Preparations: infusion: 1 tsp/cup water; 1:1 fresh tincture: 1-20 gtt qd-qid

Contraindications: pregnancy

Toxicity: may be toxic in large doses or with chronic use

Sources: Sharol Tilgner, N.D.: Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth; Wren, R.C. Potter’s New Encyclopedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations

Mugwort Module 2 lecture

• Asian plant
• Not a heavy hitter
• Artemisia vulgarus (many and varied)
• Flowering tops
• Emmenagogue
• Anti-bacterial, antifungal, antiviral
• Doses high