Latin Name
Artemisia argyi (or A. vulgaris)

General Description
The aromatic mugwort leaf is prescribed for a range of gynecological problems. In China, mugwort is harvested at the end of spring or in early summer, when the leaves are growing vigorously but flowers have not yet bloomed. Traditional Chinese medicine characterizes the herb as bitter, acrid and warm. The best leaves are grayish white in color, with a thick, hairy texture.

Target Ailments

• Excessive menstrual bleeding, menstrual cramps, uterine bleeding, vaginal pain and bleeding during pregnancy and threatened miscarriage. (Taken internally.)

Preparations
Mugwort leaves are available in bulk at Chinese pharmacies, Asian markets and some Western health food stores. The herb is also available in pills. The dried, aged, powdered herb can be rolled into a cigar-like cylinder, using tissue paper; one end is burned near the site of an injury to increase blood circulation and relieve pain. Acupuncturists sometimes use this technique instead of inserting needles.
Combinations: A mixture with gelatin is prescribed for vaginal bleeding and pain during pregnancy, or spotting between periods. For menstrual pain, mugwort combined with dried ginger. And a preparation of mugwort leaves and kochia fruit is applied to itching lesions on the skin. For information on dosages and other preparations, check with an herbal practitioner.

Special Information

• Crushed fresh mugwort leaves were placed over warts in a clinical trial; some of the warts fell off within 10 days.
  
• The herb seems to indicate an antibiotic effect in test-tube studies.