The official name for mugwort is Artemisia vulgaris. The "Artemisia" part of the name comes from Artemis, the Greek goddess of the moon and protector of women, while "vulgaris" refers to its widespread use in ancient medicine. Historically, mugwort was particularly valued for its benefits to women’s health—used to regulate menstrual cycles and ease the symptoms of menopause.

Mugwort also plays a starring role in traditional Chinese medicine, especially through a therapy called moxibustion. This technique involves burning dried mugwort (called “moxa”) on or near specific acupuncture points on the body to treat a variety of conditions. One of its most notable uses has been to help reposition babies in breech positions before birth, which is no small feat!Another variety of mugwort, A. douglasiana, found in North America, has been used for a different set of purposes, like warding off poison oak and serving as a natural insect repellent.

Mugwort is packed with antioxidants, which can help alleviate digestive issues like nausea, constipation, and even ulcers. It’s also believed to stimulate vivid, and sometimes lucid, dreams, which has made it a favorite among those interested in dreamwork and sleep.

Mugwort is being explored for its potential in fighting cancer. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the many benefits this humble plant has to offer.

While there is still limited scientific evidence supporting the use of mugwort to treat specific medical conditions, promising research continues to emerge. A 2020 study highlighted the plant’s antioxidant, liver-protective, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Historically, mugwort has been used for treating women’s health issues and digestive disorders, but more recently, researchers are investigating its potential in more serious applications. Here are some of the standout benefits:

1. Relieving Joint Pain:Mugwort, when combined with moxibustion, has been used to treat joint pain, particularly in conditions like arthritis. In one study of osteoarthritis patients, those who received the real moxibustion treatment saw a 53% reduction in pain, compared to only 24% in the placebo group. The improvement in knee function was also significant—51% in the moxibustion group, versus just 13% in the placebo group. While the effects may not last forever, the results were impressive and suggest that mugwort’s healing properties extend beyond just helping with relaxation.

2. Correcting Breech Births: In cases where a baby doesn't turn head-down before birth, it’s called a breech birth—and it’s a situation that can be quite risky. In traditional Chinese medicine, moxibustion has been used to help turn the baby to the correct position. The process involves burning a mugwort stick over a specific acupuncture point (BL67, near the toenail of the fifth toe), which stimulates blood circulation and energy flow. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that 75% of 130 fetuses reversed their position after being treated with moxibustion, making it an incredibly effective and non-invasive solution.

3. Potential Cancer Fighter:One of the most exciting areas of research regarding mugwort is its potential in the fight against cancer. The plant contains artemisinin, a compound that has shown promise in targeting and killing certain cancer cells. Cancer cells tend to have more iron than healthy cells, and this makes them more susceptible to the toxic effects of artemisinin. In lab studies, pairing artemisinin with cancerous cells has resulted in enhanced toxicity, suggesting that it could one day be used in chemotherapy. While it’s still early days for this research, the potential for mugwort to play a role in cancer treatment is something worth watching closely.

Additionally, artemisinin is already known as a potent anti-malarial compound. Scientists are continuing to explore how this compound might be used totarget other diseases, including cancer.