Description

Mugwort oil is extracted from Artemisia vulgaris of the Asteraceae (Compositae) family and is also known as Armoise, felon herb and St. Johns’ plant.

Oil properties

Mugwort oil is toxic and is classified as an abortifacient and as an neurotoxin.

Origin of Mugwort oil

This aromatic perennial herb has red-purple stems and deeply cut, dark green leaves with white undersides. Panicles of tiny red-brown flowers appear in summer.

It was traditionally used as a charm to protect against evil and danger.

In Chinese medicine, the dried, compressed leaves (moxa) are used to briefly warm the skin in case of internal cold.

As a herb, it was used as a digestive stimulant, a diuretic, and a nerve tonic.

In the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia Mugwort is specifically listed for amenorrhea and dysmenorrhoea.

Extraction

Mugwort oil is extracted from the leaves and flowering tops.

Chemical composition

The main chemical components of mugwort oil are a-thujone, b-thujone, 1,8-cineole, camphene and camphone.

Precautions

Mugwort oil should not be used in aromatherapy as it is considered to be toxic, a neurotoxin and an abortifacient.