-IBIS-1.7.0-
rx
herb
Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort)
Botanicals

definition

botanical name(s): Artemisia vulgaris

synonyms: mugwort, common mugwort, felon herb, sailor's tobacco, gemeiner beifut, armoise

part(s) used: aerial part

qualities:

affinities:

actions:

dosage:

» tincture: 2 - 4 ml.

therapy:

AHPA Botanical Safety Rating: 1

toxicity: 1

» avoid topical use of the resin near the eye, in subjects with diabetes or others with poor circulation, on moles, birthmarks, or inflamed or irritated warts since permanent damage can result due to the escharotic effects, or over large areas because of toxicity from absorption (Boyd)

» contraindicated in pregnancy (Felter and Lloyd, pp. 5-6) due to its emmenagogue and

abortifacient effects and uterine stimulant action on animal uteri (Brinker, Farnsworth) associated with thujone, its major volatile constituent (Albert-Puleo.) Also contraindicated in pregnancy due to the teratogenic and feticidal effects of its podophyllotoxin and the peltatin components (Brinker) including the topical use of the resin. (Boyd, Brooks)

» may cause changes in lactation, especially nutritional quality and flavor

(Muenscher, p. 19)

» handling of fresh plant may cause contact dermatitis (Fuller and McClintock, p. 371)

» Toxic in large doses due to thujone; this essential oil may cause epileptic problems, especially spasmodic seizures (Duke, pp. 69-70)

constituents: thujone, podophyllotoxin, peltatin

• drug interactions:

» common table salt increases its purgative power (Brinker, Felter & Lloyd)

» lobelia, ipecac, leptandra, hyoscyamus or belladonna render its effect milder (Felter & Lloyd)

footnotes

Albert-Puleo M. 1978. Mythobotany, pharmacology, and chemistry of thujone-containing plants and derivatives. Econ. Bot., 32:65-74.

Boyd JR (ed.-in-chief).1985. Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: J.B. Lippincott Co.

Brinker F. 1996. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, rev. 2nd ed., Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.

Brooks S (ed.). 1995. Botanical Toxicology. Protocol J Bot. Med, 1:147-58.

Farnsworth NR, Bingel AS, Cordell GA, Crane FA, Fong HHS. 1975. Potential Value of Plants as Sources of New Antifertility Agents I. J. Pharm. Sci., 64:535-98.

Felter, H. W., and Lloyd, J. U. 1983. King's American Dispensatory, Vols. I and II. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.