Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed Monograph

Artemisia princeps

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, consult a professional before use.

Enhanced precautions for this plant: Not recommended during pregnancy for internal use, due to traditionally reported emmenagogue properties. Should be avoided during breastfeeding, in young children, and by people on medication without healthcare professional advice. People allergic to plants of the Asteraceae family (daisy, ragweed, chrysanthemum) should be cautious. Prolonged or high-dose use is not recommended without supervision, as mugwort belongs to a plant family containing compounds requiring monitoring.

Infusion — Dried leaves

Yomogi leaf infusion

Pour simmering water over dried leaves and let steep for a few minutes, covered. This traditional preparation was consumed after meals, one occasional cup, seeking professional advice in case of doubt. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Infused oil — Fresh leaves

Infused oil for topical use

Slightly wilted fresh leaves are macerated for several weeks in vegetable oil, away from light, then filtered before local application to the skin. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Compress — Fresh leaves

Crushed leaf compress

Fresh leaves are crushed then applied directly as a compress to the area of concern, traditionally wrapped in a clean cloth for brief use. 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 meadows and roadsides of East Asia, as well as cultivated in Japanese and Korean gardens; dried leaves are also available in herbalist shops specializing in Asian plants.

Harvest season

When to harvest

Young leaves are traditionally harvested in spring, before flowering, when their aroma is most pronounced.

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