What is mugwort and what is it for?

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), It is an aromatic plantwhich was already used as medicinal and as a condiment since ancient times. It is named after the Greek goddess Artemis, twin sister of Apollo and protector of female lifeof wild nature, of pregnant women and childbirth.

It is currently present in almost all of Europe, but on the peninsula it is only found in the northern third. Blooms mid summer and it remains in bloom throughout the season.

Like other plants of the same genus, it stands out above all for being a excellent digestive tonicvery useful in periods of loss of appetite and to rebalance the functions of the digestive system.

For medicinal purposes, the flowering tops are harvested.which are left to dry in the shade. Mugwort is used dried plant, chopped, for infusion, in tincturedry and fluid extracts, essential oil and in syrup.

Medicinal properties of mugwort

Mugwort is very rich in an essence that contains cineole, camphor and thujonein addition to flavonoids such as quercetoside, coumarins and lactones. This composition gives it the following properties:

• Helps absorb nutrients better of the foods we eat.
• Prevents the appearance of nauseathe formation of gasesand provides a feeling of well-being after difficult digestion.
• He is credited with a notable protective effect on the liver and gallbladdersince it promotes the secretion of bile and the elimination of toxic waste and traces of heavy metals.
• Like wormwood and other nearby plants, it has been used as a traditional remedy. against theintestinal parasites.
• In gynecological disorders, it stands out as an optimal menstruation regulatorin irregular and painful periods or when there is a shortage of menstrual flow.

Natural remedies with mugwort

Digestive herbal tea with mugwort

To mitigate gastrointestinal spasms in slow and heavy digestion, the infusion that combine mugwort with other digestive plants, such as chamomile, lesser centaury and mint.

How to prepare it: A level tablespoon of the mixture is scalded per glass of water, infused and strained. A small cup is enough after heavy meals.

Mugwort tea for menstruation

A very complete formula that promotes blood irrigation at the ovarian level and fertility, improving hormonal regulationis the one that is made with 20 g of mugwort, 20 g more of lemon verbena and 5 g of senecio. One tablespoon of the mixture per glass of water.

How to prepare it: Boil for one minute and infuse for 10 more minutes. Two glasses should be taken daily, in the morning and shortly before going to bed, nine days before your period.

Infusion with mugwort to regenerate the liver

This purifying and detoxifying formula is a great help. To prepare it, mugwort is combined with boldo, dandelion and fumaria leavesin equal parts.

How to prepare it: Boil it for a couple of minutes, let it rest for 10 more and filter it. It should be taken on an empty stomachas long as the discomfort persists.

Contraindications of mugwort

Its consumption is discouraged during pregnancy (its hormonal action could have an abortive effect), lactation and in children under 3 years old.

Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist from “El Manantial de Salud”