Mugwort is an inconspicuous, undemanding and widespread herb with interesting applications as a spice and medicinal plant. It belongs to the composite family of the genus Artemisia. From the common mugwort exist a European and an Asian variant, which differ only slightly in the composition of the ingredients.
Occurrence and cultivation of the mugwort
Mugwort reaches a growth height of up to 2 meters, but its dark leaf color and inconspicuous flowers can explain the disregard of this herb. However, those who know the plant more closely will be gladly convinced of its merits. Common mugwort, also known simply as mugwort, is an uncomplicated plant that does not have high soil requirements. It is commonly found in North America, Europe, and Asia in overgrown places such as roadsides, railroad embankments, or embankments. For this reason, it is also considered a weed. However, the plant belonging to the composite family is also known as a spice and medicinal plant, which is commercially available in various forms of presentation. Mugwort as a typical root weed was originally spread by Neolithic agriculture. The ubiquitous occurrence of the plant often makes it difficult to even perceive it as a valuable spice and medicinal plant. Mugwort reaches a growth height of up to 2 meters, but its dark leaf color and inconspicuous flowers can explain the disregard of this herb. However, those who know the plant more closely will be gladly convinced of its merits. Mugwort is characterized by erect, sparsely hairy stems, from which laterally dispersed inflorescences and coarse, pinnately lobed leaves. The leaves are green on the upper side and grayish-whitish on the lower side. The harvest season of mugwort extends from July to September.
Effect and application
Common mugwort contains many valuable ingredients that make it an interesting spice and medicinal plant. Its main active ingredients are sesquiterpene lactones and essential oils. In smaller concentrations, flavonoids, hydroxacumarins, polyins, triterpenes and carotenoids can also be found. Sesquiterpene lactones are well effective against bacteria, fungi, worms and parasites. In higher concentrations, they are also effective against mammals. In the plant they have the function as defense substances. This group of substances is responsible for the bitter taste of the herb. On the other hand, they significantly unfold the healing effect of mugwort through their antibacterial or antifungal properties. To 0.2 percent, the plant also contains a complex mixture of essential oils, such as camphor, thujone, 1,8-cineole and linalool. Camphor promotes blood circulation and loosens mucus. In higher doses, it can also cause anxiety and agitation. However, the active ingredients in mugwort are present in physiologically tolerable concentrations, so the plant is popularly used as a spice or medicinal plant. Already in ancient times, mugwort was known as a medicinal plant and was once even considered the mother of all medicinal plants. Today, various mugwort teas are produced. The tea is prepared as an infusion and left to brew for 2-3 minutes. Depending on the needs, 1-3 cups of mugwort tea can be drunk per day. However, due to the high effectiveness of the ingredients, overdose should be avoided. After 6 weeks of continuous use, a three-week break should be taken. In Chinese medicine, mugwort is used for moxibustion. In moxibustion, mugwort leaves are lit in the form of small cones and the smoldering moxa cones are placed on specific acupuncture points. There they generate heat and thus act on the corresponding acupuncture points. Furthermore, mugwort is often used as a spice in the kitchen. The spice develops the characteristic bitter taste and ensures better digestion, especially with fatty foods. At the same time it stimulates the appetite. The production of gastric juice and bile is stimulated. For the use of mugwort, the entire plant is used from the root to the leaves to the flowers.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
For health, mugwort has a great importance. As mentioned above, its healing properties were already known in ancient times. Mainly the containing sesquiterpene lactones are responsible for its effectiveness against bacteria, fungi, worms and parasites. Also the complex composed essential oil acts in this direction.In addition, it also promotes blood circulation and mucus loosening. Thus, among other things, mugwort has thus antibacterial, antifungal, digestive, appetite stimulating and circulatory properties. It is used for symptoms such as indigestion, cystitis, gynecological disorders, biliousness, circulatory disorders or nervous disorders. Due to the many ingredients, a variety of effects can also be expected. At the same time, the active ingredients in mugwort are present in a tolerable concentration. However, side effects can naturally occur in the case of an overdose. Therefore, no more than three cups of mugwort tea should be drunk per day. Also, regular use of the tea for six weeks should then be interrupted for about three weeks. This is the only way to ensure the effective health effect of mugwort. It has a preventive effect on many diseases. Especially its digestive stimulating effect should be mentioned here. Many symptoms, such as bloating, flatulence, diarrhea or constipation can be prevented when using mugwort tea or mugwort spices. The tea also has a calming effect. Mugwort oil, when rubbed in, has a soothing effect on rheumatic diseases, among others. However, it must also be noted that there are people who are allergic to mugwort. This can trigger asthma attacks, for example. Some very sensitive people also react very intensively to mugwort and can therefore only use it in very small quantities. #
Furthermore, attention should also be paid to the dosage when using it. Too high a dosage can lead to unpleasant side effects. Mugwort should also not be used in fever and during early pregnancy.
