Natural Products

Mugwort

mugwort, felon herb, wild wormwood, St. John's plant

General Information

Mugwort is a perennial plant originally from Europe, northern Africa, and Asia. Traditionally, mugwort has been used to protect from fatigue, sunstroke, wild animals, and evil spirits.

Common Name(s)

mugwort, felon herb, wild wormwood, St. John’s plant

Scientific Name(s)

Artemisia vulgaris

What is this product used for?

In herbal medicine, mugwort is traditionally used orally (by mouth) to:

  • stimulate the appetite
  • help with digestion
  • stimulate bile secretion

There is not enough reliable scientific evidence to show whether mugwort is effective for any of these uses.

Your health care provider may have recommended this product for other conditions. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.

What else should I be aware of?

There is not enough information to determine the safety of mugwort. If you experience any unexplained side effects while taking mugwort, you should stop taking it immediately and seek medical advice.

There have been reports of respiratory and skin allergic responses. If you experience breathing problems, wheezing, shortness of breath, asthma, skin rash, hives, eczema, or other respiratory or skin reactions, stop using mugwort and contact your health care provider.

Mugwort has no known interactions with other medications.

Do not use mugwort if you are:

  • allergic to the Asteraceae or Compositae (daisy) family of plants, which includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and chamomile
  • under 18 years of age
  • pregnant
  • breast-feeding

Consult a health care provider if any of the symptoms or conditions being treated with mugwort persist or worsen.

Before taking any new medications, including natural health products, speak to your physician, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Tell your health care provider about any natural health products you may be taking.