MUGWORT: USES, EFFECTIVE AND DOSING

MUGWORT: USES, EFFECTIVE AND DOSING

Overview

Mugwort is a plant that grows in Asia, North America, and Northern Europe. The plant parts that grow above the ground and the root are used to make medicine. People take mugwort root as a “tonic” and to boost energy.

People take the rest of the plant for stomach and intestinal conditions including colic, diarrhea, constipation, cramps, weak digestion, worm infestations, and persistent vomiting. Mugwort is also used to stimulate gastric juice and bile secretion. It is also used as a liver tonic; to promote circulation; and as a sedative. Other uses include treatment of hysteria, epilepsy, and convulsions in children. Women take mugwort for irregular periods and other menstrual problems.

In combination with other ingredients, mugwort root is used for mental problems (psychoneuroses), ongoing fatigue and depression (neurasthenia), depression, preoccupation with illness (hypochondria), general irritability, restlessness, trouble sleeping (insomnia), and anxiety.

Some people apply mugwort lotion directly to the skin to relieve itchiness caused by burn scars.

How does it work?

The chemicals in mugwort might stimulate the uterus.

Uses & Effective

Insufficient Evidence for:

• Itching caused by scars, when applied to the affected skin. Developing research suggests that applying a lotion containing mugwort and menthol directly to the skin relieves itching in severe burn victims.

• Stomach problems (colic, diarrhea, cramps, constipation, slow digestion, vomiting).

• Epilepsy.

• Irregular menstrual periods.

• Low energy.

• Anxiety.

• Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of mugwort for these uses.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of mugwort depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for mugwort. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Source: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-123-mugwort.aspx?activeingredientid=123&activeingredientname=mugwort