Mugwort Tea

Mugwort tea, a herbal caffeine-free infusion, is prepared from the leaves and roots of mugwort plant, native to Northern Europe, North America, and Asia. Only two species of mugwort plant, the Chinese mugwort (Artemisia argyi) and Common mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), are used for making the tea. With a soft and cottony appearance, this herbal tea has a grey-green or yellowish hue together with a sharp, strong aroma.

Mugwort Tea

Mugwort Tea

History and origin

In ancient world, the plant from which mugwort tea is derived was considered a universal herb for prophecy and protection. Devoted to Diana, the Roman mythological Goddess of hunt and moon (as well as her Greek counterpart Artemis), it was extensively utilized for attaining psychic powers, having lucid dreams, and for healing pain. In ancient European, Chinese and Japanese culture, mugwort was used to protect against evil spirits of diseases. The tea was drunk prior to divination rituals and the plant was burnt as incense. Before the use of Hops, mugwort was a major ingredient in beer.

Mugwort Tea Pictures

Mugwort tea benefits

Due to the presence of useful constituents in mugwort, including coumarin derivatives, triterpenes, flavonoids, and essential oils (thujone, wormwood oil, and cineole), mugwort tea is considered to offer numerous health benefits.

• Providing digestive support: Many herbalists and naturopathic doctors believe that mugwort is a powerful digestive herb, which strengthens appetite by alleviating digestive complaints like gas and bloating. Drinking mugwort tea is useful in relieving non-ulcer dyspepsia symptoms like abdominal cramps and heartburn. Being a bitter tonic, it is a stimulant for bile production, assisting in the digestion of protein and fat as well as helping in proper functioning of the gall bladder and liver to prevent stone formation.
• Treating intestinal problems: Its anthelminthic properties, due to the presence of anti-bacterial and anti-fungal elements, make it an effective herbal remedy for intestinal worms.
• Good for women’s health: The tea has been traditionally used by women for stimulating menstruation, relieving menstrual cramps and  alleviating symptoms of menopause. It helps in maintaining the regularity of menstrual cycle by stabilizing the hormonal levels in the body.
• Promoting sleep and lucid dreaming: Being endorsed as a nervine by herbalists, the tea can treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures by soothing the CNS. Its dream-enhancing effects have been known in Europe since the Medieval Ages.
• Rich source of nutrients: It consists of important vitamins like niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, and vitamin C, making it ideal for those suffering from ailments like bronchitis, asthma, fever, and cold.

Mugwort Tea Photos

How to make mugwort tea

• Add a teaspoon of dried mugwort to one cup boiling water in a French press or a teapot
• Cover the container and leave the tea to soak for about ten minutes
• Strain the tea in a tea pot or mug
• Add a teaspoonful of sugar or honey before drinking (optional)

Mugwort Tea Images

Mugwort tea safety and precaution

Side effects

Individuals allergic to plants like daisies, marigolds, chrysanthemum, ragweed, and other herbs of the Asteraceae family might develop allergic reactions to mugwort. If you are allergic to wild carrots, celery, or birch, it is recommended to talk to a medical practitioner before taking mugwort tea.

Consumption during pregnancy

Women should avoid taking this tea during pregnancy because it might cause premature contractions and miscarriage. It is also not recommended while breastfeeding due to potential risks to the baby.

Mugwort Tea Leaf

Mugwort Tea Plant

Where to buy mugwort tea

Being a USDA approved herbal tea, it is available in local herbal tea shops in its dried form or as packaged tea bags. It can also be ordered from specialized online herbal tea stores.