Altamisa – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions

Altamira/Mugwort Tea is a common name for several species of aromatic flowering plants in the genus Artemisia. In Europe, mugwort most often refers to the species Artemisia vulgaris, or common mugwort. While other species are sometimes referred to by more specific common names, they may be called simply “mugwort” in many contexts

A member of the daisy family, mugwort, or Artemisia vulgaris, is native to Asia and Europe. It can reach up to 6 feet in height and has yellow or reddish-brown flowers in the summer. Its leaves have a silvery fuzz on their underside and it has a sage-like smell and slightly bitter taste.

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris L.) is a perennial plant in the Asteraceae family. The plant is native to Northern Europe, and Asia; it can also be found in many parts of North America.

The mugwort plant grows to 4 feet in height, but occasionally reaches heights of up to 6 feet. Its angular reddish-brown stems have bitter-tasting leaves that have a sage-like aroma. The plant blooms with yellow or dark orange flowers in the summer.

The main benefits of mugwort tea might include its ability to possibly ease menstrual pain, improve digestion, reduce anxiety and depression, promote dream retention, help with weight loss efforts, strengthen the immune system, and detoxify the body. This specialty tea might have some side effects, such as allergic reactions and pregnancy complications. The active components in mugwort tea are also very powerful and can be toxic in excessive amounts.

Other Name

Altamisa, Armoise, Armoise Citronnelle, Armoise Commune, Armoise Vulgaire, Artémise, Artemisia, Artemisia Vulgaris, Artemisiae Vulgaris Herba, Artemisiae Vulgaris Radix, Carline Thistle, Felon Herb, Gemeiner Beifuss, Herbe aux Cent Goûts, Herbe de Feu, Herbe de la Saint-Jean, Herbe Royale, Hierba de San Juan, Nagadamni, Remise, Sailor’s Tobacco, St. John’s Plant, Tabac de Saint-Pierre, Wild Wormwood.

What is Mugwort Tea?

Mugwort tea has been in use for thousands of years in a number of different cultures, ranging from Europe to China, and has long been praised for its medicinal benefits. It was also the key ingredient in brewing beer for centuries before using hops came into favor. Scientifically known as Artemisia vulgaris, the mugwort plant is a tall shrub that is closely related to sunflowers, and its leaves, flowers, and roots are all used for their nutrient content. The specific benefits of mugwort tea are mainly due to the possible presence of flavonoids, triterpenes, and other antioxidant compounds, as well as possibly vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin E, potassium, iron, calcium, and various B-family vitamins. [rx]

Mugwort Tea Health Benefits

Drinking mugwort tea might be beneficial for people suffering from insomnia, anxiety, painful menstruations, digestive issues, obesity, weak immunity, depression, inflammation, colds, coughs, flu, respiratory infections, and kidney problems.

  • Moxibustion – In traditional Asian medicine, mugwort or wormwood is used in a process called moxibustion. Mugwort or wormwood leaves are formed into sticks or cones about the size and shape of a cigar and then burned on or over an acupuncture point to release energy. Moxibustion has been practiced for more than 3,000 years in China, and advocates claim that it can strengthen and warm your blood and life energy, and treat inflammations and cancers. This study shows how moxa smoke can improve the autonomic nervous system and induce a relaxing effect on the body. Moxibustion is also used to treat menstrual cramping and to help a baby in the breech position turn. According to this [rx], the practice does appear to increase fetal movements, helping the baby turn to a normal head-down, or cephalic, position. However, the authors conclude that more research needs to be done to determine moxibustion’s real effectiveness.

One 2012 review suggests that this can be either alone or in combination with acupuncture or postural techniques. A 2019 review [rx] also notes that moxibustion resulted in a decreased use of oxytocin compared with no treatment. Oxytocin reduces stress, calms a person down, and helps with pain during labor. The fact that it was less needed when a person used moxibustion is significant.

  • Might Help with Anxiety and Depression – With its powerful nervine qualities, mugwort tea might be very good for treating anxiety, depression, and chronic stress levels. This might help relieve stress on your nervous and metabolic system and may improve your quality of life if anxiety is something you experience on a daily basis. [rx]
  • Possible Weight Loss – With a possible range of B-family vitamins in this herbal tea, you might significantly boost your metabolism and might increase passive fat-burning. This may help with weight loss efforts and might help your body operate at a higher level of energy and efficiency. [rx]
  • Might Help Indigestion – Mugwort tea might have been used to settle the stomach and ease indigestion for generations. It might stimulate the appetite, reduce bloating and cramping, and may counter unpleasant conditions like constipation and diarrhea. Some of the active compounds might also stimulate the production of bile, which can speed digestion. [rx]
  • May Relieve Menstrual Pain – One of the major uses of mugwort tea might be in the treatment of dysmenorrhea, more commonly known as menstrual cramps. It might also stimulate and regulate menstruation and support the body as it changes through menopause. However, it should be avoided by women who are pregnant, as the stimulation of menses might cause miscarriage and trigger premature labor. [rx]
  • May have Diuretic Properties – The possible diuretic properties of mugwort tea mean that it stimulates urination, which can be the body’s best means of eliminating toxins. Mugwort tea might also be linked to cleansing the kidneys and bladder, and maybe reducing the chances of infection and improving function. It can also stimulate sweating, which might further eliminate toxins from the body through the skin. [rx]
  • Immune System – The possible high concentration of vitamin C and other active antioxidants might make this tea an excellent choice for boosting the immune system. Vitamin C might stimulate the production of white blood cells, and also can act as an antioxidant, which can neutralize free radicals that cause inflammation and weaken the body’s defenses. [7]
  • Might Improve Vision Health – Vitamin A might be found in mugwort tea and may act as a strong antioxidant for vision health. More specifically, this beta carotene-derived vitamin might be able to prevent macular degeneration and slow the development of cataracts. [rx]
  • May Increase the Bone Mineral Density – Traditional beliefs hold that mugwort tea might be an excellent mineralizer for the bones, might help to increase bone mineral density and may prevent age-related bone disorders, such as osteoporosis. The possible high levels of potassium, iron, and calcium found in this tea can help support this benefit. [rx]
  • Vivid Dreams – For centuries, mugwort tea was praised for its “psychic” and even “hallucinogenic” properties and has long been used to stimulate vivid dreams. It is purportedly able to help you remember dreams as well, and experience those rare lucid dreams that are so few and far between. [rx]
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Insufficient Evidence for

  • Thick, raised scars (hypertrophic scars). Developing research suggests that applying a lotion containing mugwort and menthol directly to the skin relieves itching in severe burn victims.
  • Stomach problems (colic, diarrhea, cramps, constipation, slow digestion, vomiting).
  • Epilepsy.
  • Irregular menstrual periods.
  • Low energy
  • Anxiety.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Constipation.
  • Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea).
  • Excessive crying in infants (colic)
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Seizure disorder (epilepsy).
  • To promote labor.
  • Depression.
  • Hypochondria.
  • Insomnia.
  • Other conditions.

Mugwort has been used for its medicinal properties and in food for thousands of years. Although more research needs to be done, studies show that it’s beneficial in the process of moxibustion to treat the nervous system and to help with a breech birth. It’s also used to relieve menstrual cramps and to stimulate a woman’s menstrual cycle, and also to treat various gastrointestinal issues.

Talk to your doctor or someone trained in herbal medicine first if you want to try mugwort as a complementary health approach. Be sure to tell them about any allergies you have, as some people may be allergic to mugwort. Information on credentials and licensing of herbalists is available on the website of the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

Uses and Side Effects

Mugwort tea is used around the world and is naturalized in most countries due to its popularity, but there are also side effects that need to be considered. Mugwort might contain trace amounts of thujone, a toxic substance that can be very dangerous in high concentrations, but only in extremely high concentrations would this be a problem when drinking mugwort tea. That being said, there are other side effects that do occur in certain people.

  • Allergies – One of the most common triggers for hayfever is mugwort pollen, so allergic reactions to drinking this tea are not uncommon. If you are normally susceptible to allergies, use this tea in moderation, and if you experience any skin irritation, gastrointestinal distress, or swelling of the throat, lips, or tongue, discontinue use immediately. [rx]
  • Pregnancy – While the level of thujone found in mugwort tea is low and likely safe for the majority of tea-drinkers, pregnant women should avoid this tea, as thujone is known to stimulate menstruation. Therefore, it might cause miscarriages and pregnancy complications. Breastfeeding women should also avoid drinking this tea, as some of the active components, including thujone, might be passed into the breast milk and might negatively affect the infant.
  • Mugwort oil – contains thujone, which is toxic in large amounts or under prolonged intake. Thujone is also present in Thuja plicata (western red cedar), from which the name thujone is derived. The downy hairs on the underside of the leaves can be scraped off and used as effective tinder.[4] All parts of the plant contain essential oils with all-purpose insecticidal properties (especially in the killing of insect larvae).[5][6] This is best used in a weak infusion, but use on garden plants is not recommended, as it also reduces plant growth.[7] Mugwort has been used therapeutically to relieve sleepiness.[rx]
  • Food – The leaves and buds, best picked shortly before mugwort flowers in July to September, can be used as a bitter flavoring agent to season fat, meat, and fish.[rx] Mugwort has also been used to flavor beer before the introduction of hops.[rx][rx]
  • Essential oil – The composition of mugwort essential oil can vary depending on the genus of plant selected, its habitat, as well as the part of the plant extracted, and the season of its harvest. Its main components can include camphor, cineole, α- and β-thujone, artemisia ketone (CAS: 546-49-6), borneol, and bornyl acetate as well as a wide variety of other phenols, terpenes and aliphatic compounds.[rx]
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How Do You Make Mugwort Tea?

Mugwort tea is easy to make at home, and only requires dried, crushed mugwort and hot water, as well as sweeteners or other herbal additions, if desired. The leaves are the most common source of mugwort tea, although some people also prepare a mugwort root tea, or even combine both plant parts for an even more beneficial beverage. If you are growing your own mugwort, cut only the top 1/3 of the plant when harvesting the leaves, and then hang them upside down in bundles

Dosage and Preparation

Mugwort is commonly used in cooking to flavor many foods and beverages, including fish, meat dishes, desserts, pancakes, soups, salads, beer, and more. Mugwort was used in Europe to flavor beer long before hops were discovered.

Mugwort can be used in several preparations, including:

  • Extracts
  • Tinctures
  • Dried leaves
  • Essential oil
  • Pills (as a supplement)
  • A poultice (a soft, moist mass of plant leaves kept in place with a cloth and applied to the body to relieve soreness and inflammation)

Mugwort can be made into a tea by adding 1.5 teaspoons of mugwort leaves to a cup of boiling water (in a French press or tea infuser), steeping for 10 minutes then straining off the leaves and serving.

The roots of mugwort are used to make a tonic said to boost energy.

In ancient cultures, mugwort was smoked to promote vivid dreams. This is because mugwort is said to produce mild psychotropic effects during wakefulness. A psychotropic effect can be induced by a substance that impacts the mental state of a person.

A lotion made of mugwort is sometimes applied to the skin for alleviating itching, caused by scars or burns. Research has shown that a lotion made of mugwort and menthol, applied to the skin, relieved itching in burn victims.5

For preparing fresh mugwort after picking, spread the plant’s stalks and leaves into fan shapes so they will evenly and thoroughly dry, then tie them up and hang in the open air.

Dosage

The right dose of any medicinal supplement, including mugwort, depends on many factors, including a person’s overall health, age, and more. There is a lack of medical research study data to determine a safe range of doses for mugwort.

See the package inserts and consult with a professional healthcare provider or pharmacist to establish a safe and effective dose, before taking mugwort.

Keep in mind that even natural supplements can cause serious side effects, particularly when a person takes more than the recommended dose.

Mugwort Tea Recipe

A cup of this flavor-packed tea is enough to refresh your taste buds and give you a kick. Read along on how to make this awesome tea!
  • Course: Beverage
  • Cuisine: American
  • Keyword: Mugwort Tea
  • Appliance: Stove
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 17 minutes
  • Servings: 2 cups

Ingredients

  • 1 oz dried mugwort
  • 4 cups water filtered
  • 1 tsp honey or sugar if desired

Instructions

  • Bring the water to a boil and then add the dried mugwort.
  • Allow the mugwort to steep for 5-10 minutes.
  • Remove from the stove and allow the mixture to cool for another 2-3 minutes.
  • Strain the tea mixture.
  • Add honey or sugar, if desired for sweetness, and enjoy!
If you allow mugwort tea to steep for too long, it can become quite bitter.

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If you have tried this recipe, we would love your feedback in the comments section below. And while we can’t taste it, we would love to see how it turned out!   [rx] [rx]

What to Look For

When buying mugwort (or any other herbal substance) keep in mind that herbs are not regulated by a government agency such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which regulates over-the-counter and prescription drugs.

Therefore, it’s very important to select products that have been certified by a reliable third-party source, such as the U.S. Pharmacopeia, NSF International, or ConsumerLab.com. These organizations evaluate and report on the purity and potency of natural and herbal products.

When foraging for mugwort, it’s important to keep in mind that the leaves should be harvested before the flowers bloom. When harvesting mugwort for its essential oil content, the flowering tops of the plant should be collected when they initially bloom. This is when the flowers contain the most potent volatile oil content.

Common Questions

Is mugwort a hallucinogen?

Mugwort is considered a mild psychoactive herb (a substance that promotes effects such as sedation and euphoria).6 Some people take it for its hallucinogenic effects.

Is it safe to smoke mugwort?

Although smoking mugwort has historically been a common use of the herb, there is not enough clinical research data to prove mugwort’s safety, taken in any form. This includes ingesting or smoking mugwort.

Smoking any type of substance (including tobacco) can cause an accumulation of unhealthy substances in the lungs such as tar. When any substance is smoked, it lowers the amount of oxygen that is available for exchange by the lungs. Therefore, smoking any type of herbal preparation is not a healthy way to use the herb.

Is mugwort legal in the U.S.?

Yes, although some sources report that the use of mugwort has been banned, its use is uncontrolled in the United States. What this means is that any part of the plant, as well as its extracts, is legal to grow, process, sell, trade, or give away. But if sold, medicinal supplements must conform to U.S. supplement laws.

Is mugwort the same as wormwood?

There is some disagreement about the difference between mugwort and wormwood. Herbs have many different common names, which can cause confusion. By looking at the scientific name, it’s easy to identify when there are differences in the plants.

The scientific name for wormwood is Artemisia absinthium. Mugwort’s scientific name, however, is Artemisia vulgaris.

Although the two plants are closely related, there is a slight difference. Mugwort refers to all 200 aromatic plants found in the Artemisia genus; wormwood is just one of them. Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is the only variation of Artemisia that can be used to distill authentic absinthe. It is also commonly used to make vermouth.

From Where To Buy

Buddha Teas Organic Mugwort Tea - OU Kosher, USDA Organic, CCOF Organic, 18 Bleach-Free Tea Bag
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Buddha Teas Organic Mugwort Tea - OU Kosher, USDA Organic, CCOF Organic, 18 Bleach-Free Tea Bag
  • Ingredients: Organic Mugwort
  • Steeping Instructions - This tea best extracts in water with temperatures of 205°-212° F. Allow the tea to steep for 3-6 minutes for a full, flavorful cup.
  • High quality, fresh herbs and tea leaves are important for experiencing the true taste of tea. Buddha Teas crafts all teas from fresh, organic or wild harvested plants that have been gathered and packaged with conscious care.
  • The tea bags used are made from the cellulose fibers of the abaca plant and are 100% bleach-free.
  • Buddha Teas’ “Tea for Trees” campaign creates a sustainable model that restores one of our most precious resources while offsetting the paper used in our products. We’ve partnered with the National Forest Foundation to support their campaign to plant 50 million trees in our National Forests.

Savory Mugwort features pleasant notes of pepper, and for some, can taste slightly bitter. However, it’s extremely popular with herbalists for its health benefits. Mugwort Tea has many health benefits, including improving digestion, being an emotional relaxant, an effective diuretic, aids sleep issues, and may help detoxify the liver. This organic unadulterated tea is made with no artificial flavors, preservatives, additives, or GMOs. Packed in bleach-free tea bags, always caffeine-free, enjoy a cup of Mugwort Tea any time of day! Mugwort Tea needs a good boil, but the steep time depends on desired outcome. 3-6 minutes to extract optimum benefits, but several milder cups a day are also recommended. Cover the cup while steeping, then remove the teabag, and enjoy! At Buddha Teas, we start with a philosophy of living in harmony with nature, not using it for profit, which is why our teas are crafted without artificial or natural flavorings, using only fresh organic or sustainability wild-harvested ingredients. Our boxes are even made from 100% recycled material, making our teas as kind to the environment as they are to you.

References