Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed MonographFR · EN

Common Mugwort

Artemisia vulgaris
Please read before use: the information below describes traditional and informational uses — it does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. In case of doubt, pregnancy, breastfeeding, ongoing treatment, or use in children, seek advice before use.
Enhanced precautions for this plant: Strictly not recommended during pregnancy due to its traditional emmenagogue use, with a risk of uterine contraction. Not recommended during breastfeeding or for young children, due to lack of reassuring data. Avoid if allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family (daisies, mugworts, chrysanthemums). Prolonged or high-dose use is not recommended without advice from a healthcare professional, due to the presence of thujone, a compound that can be irritating in high doses.
Infusion — Dried leaves and flowering tops

Traditional mugwort infusion

Pour simmering water over the dried leaves and let steep for a few minutes before straining. This preparation, reserved for occasional and short-term use, should be discussed with a healthcare professional before any use. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Fumigation — Dried leaves

Dried mugwort fumigation

The dried leaves tied in a small bundle are burned slowly to release their fragrant smoke, according to an ancient folk practice intended to purify a room or promote relaxation before sleep. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Tincture — Flowering aerial parts

Mugwort tincture

The flowering tops are macerated for several weeks in alcohol, then filtered. This concentrated form requires supervision by a professional trained in herbal medicine, due to its active ingredient content. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Where to find it

Sourcing the plant

It can be found growing wild in waste ground, embankments, and roadsides throughout Europe, as well as dried in traditional herbal shops.

Harvest season

When to harvest

The flowering tops are traditionally harvested in late summer, before full bloom, in dry weather.

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