{"id":6803,"date":"2019-05-27T20:36:07","date_gmt":"2019-05-27T20:36:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=6803"},"modified":"2021-11-11T09:06:38","modified_gmt":"2021-11-11T09:06:38","slug":"mugwort-15-health-benefits-and-uses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/mugwort-15-health-benefits-and-uses\/","title":{"rendered":"Mugwort: 15 Health Benefits and Uses"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Gaining its name from the ancient practice of flavoring drinks with this beautifully sweet herb, mugwort has value as herbal medicine that has strengthened over time. It might have been in use since the Iron Age, but it certainly hasn’t shown any decrease in popularity. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is a scented aromatic plant that usually grows in Europe and Asia, although cultures from all over the world have used it in many different ways. In the far East, mugwort is regularly used as a food source or as a dessert flavoring, but there is a culture where it is still smoked, in order to harbor some of its more hallucinogenic capabilities. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A legal and mild hallucinogen, mugwort has been highly valued by many different religions for its potency and health benefits. It is revered the world over for what it can do for health. Here are 8 of those potential health benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. <\/strong><\/span> <\/strong>Gut Health<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Mugwort <\/a>has been proven to be beneficial in promoting general gut health but also in targeting specific conditions or problems which may occur within the guy. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Specifically, mugwort has been proven to be able to combat the main causes of gas and flatulence, which is something that millions of housewives will be grateful for. For some reason, some people still think it is socially acceptable to break wind in public and then celebrate this as if it were some kind of triumph. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also people who wish they could solve their bloating and constipation troubles with a natural remedy. Those people would do well to look no further than mugwort for an answer, as it is perfectly capable of clearing up these two little issues in no time at all. Cramping and diarrhea are just two further examples of the types of gut issues that mugwort can help to remedy.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. <\/strong><\/span> <\/strong>Menstruation Aid<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Even though it has a name that makes it sound as if it belongs in Middle Earth, rather than in a lady’s handbag, it may surprise you to learn that mugwort is up there with the best that nature has to offer in terms of menstruation <\/a>aids. Used for centuries to help with cycle issues, mugwort can stop heavy flows, and regulate menstruation from start to finish. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It may become a woman\u2019s best friend in no time at all as it can even go some way to relieving the symptoms that are associated with the early stages of menstruation such as irritability and hot or cold flashes. Your friends may give you some funny looks when you pull out the mugwort to help someone overcome a tricky period situation, but they’ll be thanking you afterward, just as soon as you’ve told them where they can get some for themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. <\/strong><\/span> <\/strong>Pain Relief<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Mugwort is a super effective pain reliever, so much so that it is listed in ancient literature as something that was regularly administered to the dying. The little herb was often carried in satchels by warriors and soldiers, who would then administer the mild pain reliever to their fallen comrades in the hope that it would take some of the stings away from painful sword lacerations or ax wounds. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fact that it is a mild hallucinogenic <\/a>might have something to do with this, but let’s face it, if you’re going to go out of this world in an epic battle, you probably want something to take the edge off all of the death and murder that’s going on around you. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nowadays, mugwort can be rubbed directly onto muscles or used as a massage tonic to give pain relief. Not quite as cool as the battlefield example, but still just as effective.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. <\/strong><\/span> <\/strong>Malaria<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Malaria <\/a>is a serious problem for so many countries in the world, with the relatively preventable disease still causing millions of deaths every single year. Mugwort isn\u2019t a vaccine against malaria by any stretch of the imagination, but it can be a great tool to use in addition to modern medicine when it comes to treating milder cases of malaria. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, where medical care is available and fairly well developed, the survival rate from malaria is growing to a reasonable level. Where mugwort comes in is in the management of the symptoms during the recovery process. It is able to provide pain relief, distraction, and a soothing effect on the systems that are attacked by malaria during the course of the illness. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

No one is suggesting that modern vaccines and cures are in danger of being replaced by mugwort, but they could certainly be aided in their attempts to ease the symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. <\/strong><\/span> <\/strong>Insomnia<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For many centuries people have used mugwort as a sleeping aid. The fact that it is a mild hallucinogenic that is still smoked in many places may give the impression that it can be used as a recreational drug to induce sleepiness. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whilst it is probable that some people do use mugwort in this way, this isn\u2019t what is being highlighted here. Serious cases of insomnia <\/a>can have devastating effects on people\u2019s lives, wreaking havoc with their body clock and the day-to-day function of their lives. Using mugwort as a dietary supplement or as an added oil to a carrier oil can aid sleep significantly. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The study of insomniacs found that their sleep was improved dramatically following two weeks of daily doses of mugwort. Whether or not the subjects continued to use mugwort to fight insomnia can\u2019t be confirmed, but if you or someone you know is struggling to get to sleep at night, it might be worth giving mugwort ago.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. <\/strong><\/span> <\/strong>Depression<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The modern realization of the devastating effects of depression <\/a>and other mental health issues is shining a light on a side of our health that has long been hidden away in the shadows. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, it seems, mental health is being given equal footing to physical and biological health. As cultures and societies try and adapt to this development, people are still looking to the world of natural remedies for things to soothe and support their mental health. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The potent relaxing properties of mugwort make it an excellent option for someone looking to treat depression naturally. It may not provide long-term solutions, and it is always a good idea to talk to, but the short-term relief that mugwort can provide to someone struggling with their mental health should not be ignored. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mugwort won\u2019t cure depression, nor should anyone claim that it can, but it can certainly do a lot to make someone feel a lot better about themselves and their lives.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. <\/strong><\/span> <\/strong>Digestion<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Digestion <\/a>is something that a lot of people take for granted, usually because it just works fine until it doesn’t. It usually takes something significant like an illness or a bad blockage before someone starts to take their digestive health seriously. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking mugwort as a dietary supplement can have a fantastic effect on a person\u2019s digestive health. For this reason, it is advisable that even those who may have perfectly functioning digestive tracts should supplement their diets with this versatile little herb, in order to maintain that optimum function and to guard against any difficulties developing down the line. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bowel functions and stomach acid regulation may not be things that make the most appropriate dinner table conversation, but that doesn\u2019t make them any less important as things to consider as part of trying to live a healthy life. Mugwort should be used by everyone who wants to achieve or maintain a healthy digestive tract.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. <\/strong><\/span> <\/strong>Headaches<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Headaches <\/a>are things that affect nearly everyone at some point in their lives with varying degrees of ferocity and varying frequencies. They are horrible things to have to endure for people of any age and although they are a problem that should be manageable, a bad headache can put someone out of action for a good number of days. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Usually, most headaches can be eased with proper hydration, a good night\u2019s sleep, and the removal of any unnatural sources of light but one natural remedy to help a headache along the way is found with mugwort. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There may be some people out there who are starting to wonder if there is anything that this little herb can\u2019t do, and to those people, we\u2019d simply have to say that the long answer is that there isn\u2019t anything that anyone has found that mugwort can\u2019t help, and the short answer is quite simply \u2018no\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Itching from Scars<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you experience a skin injury that leaves a scab behind, the skin around the scab can feel itchy and irritating as the scab dries out. To assist the healing process and remove the itching feeling, rub some mugwort extract diluted into a carrier oil onto the scab. The oil will absorb into the scab, speeding up the healing process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also plenty of skin lotions, including mugwort, in the ingredients. Look for a product containing mugwort <\/a>extract and menthol. Apply the cream as often as possible to the scab and the surrounding area. You’ll notice immediate relief from the irritation and itching symptoms coming from your injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some doctors recommend using lotions with mugwort extract included in the treatment of severe burns. The antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects of mugwort help relieve the skin’s sensitivity and pain while sooth9ing the nervous system and assist recovery. Mugwort lotions and creams are readily available from your favorite online health retailers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Soothe Anxiety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Stress and anxiety affect millions of Americans, with millions of people developing high-anxiety disorders every year. Instead of using drugs to treat the problem, try a natural solution. Mugwort has potent nervine properties affecting the central nervous system (CNS). When we feel anxious, it’s because the adrenal glands signal the release of cortisol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cortisol <\/a>is a potent inflammatory hormone with adrenaline-like properties. As cortisol levels build in the bloodstream, the hormone triggers the “fight-or-flight” response in the affected individual. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the patient doesn’t reduce cortisol levels, they remain in a somewhat perpetual state of fight-or-flight, which taxes the CNS. If left unmanaged, the affected individual might start to experience adrenal burnout and severe anxiety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mugwort has potent adaptogenic and nervine properties that help the CNS deal with the effects of cortisol running rampant in the bloodstream. The nervine effect of drinking mugwort tea helps to reduce anxiety levels, helping you stay calm, even when you feel under pressure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Improve Energy Levels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As we age, we start to experience a slowdown in protein synthesis affecting every biological system in the body. As a result, we begin to find that we experience lower energy levels during the day. The lack of energy comes from the reduction in circulation experienced by the circulatory system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drinking mugwort tea can help to improve circulation. The beverage has a potent effect on the formation and maintenance of red blood cells. This assists in people that have low platelet production and red blood cell counts. Drinking the mugwort tea every day could help you from turning anemic<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mugwort tea in the morning is a suitable replacement for coffee if you’re looking to transition away from caffeine. The natural polyphenols found in mugwort boost circulation, improving energy levels throughout the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mugwort extract is a suitable addition to supplement stacks where athletes are looking to train at altitude. The boost to circulation helps the body cope with the demands of training in a low-oxygen environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Diuretic Properties<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People with high blood pressure are at risk of developing a condition known as “hypertension<\/a>.” Hypertensive individuals are at risk of developing strokes or heart attacks due to the pressure exerted on the cardiovascular system. Individuals with high blood pressure problems need assessment and diagnosis by their medical practitioner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The doctor will likely prescribe blood pressure medication to control the problem. These medications provide a “diuretic” effect on the body, flushing water out from the tissues in the body and, specifically, around the heart. The reduction in water relieves pressure on the heart, dropping the patient’s blood pressure to normal levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mugwort provides you with a natural diuretic effect. While it might not be a potent as heart medication, the diuretic effect helps people who don’t yet have a chronic condition like hypertension. Drinking mugwort tea twice a day in the morning and night enables you to manage your blood pressure, reducing the amount of subcutaneous water weight held in the muscular system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Resolve Irregular Menstrual Periods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some women that are moving closer toward menopause may start to experience changes to their menstrual cycle<\/a>. They may notice that their periods become irregular, and they have a harder time with the effects of their menstrual cycle. Mugwort is beneficial for relieving the cramping and discomfort associated with irregular periods. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mugwort has nervine and antispasmodic properties that affect the central nervous system (CNS) and the muscular system. The herb’s antispasmodic effects help relieve tension on the muscular system, while the nervine effects of the herb relax the nervous system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drinking some mugwort tea in the evenings and mornings helps your body maintain adequate levels of mugwort’s potent polyphenols and antioxidants in your bloodstream. Diluting mugwort extract into a carrier oil like extra-virgin coconut or olive oil gives you a topical salve you can apply to the lower abdomen. The oil absorbs into the skin, helping to provide relief against inflammation and cramping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Support Liver Health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People with liver problems can use mugwort to detox themselves and keep the liver <\/a>working at optimal function. The liver is a primary filter for the body, removing toxins from the foods and beverages we eat and drink. When your liver starts to undergo stress, it stops producing the bilirubin required to assist with the proper digestion of your food. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the liver experiences dysfunction, the affected individual will notice their skin starts changing a yellow color, and the whites of the eyes start looking yellow. This condition is a sign of jaundice and severe liver dysfunction requiring immediate medical attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People that want to improve liver function will notice a boost in energy levels throughout the day. Drinking mugwort tea helps to give your digestive system access to the anti-inflammatory properties of the herb. Add two tablespoons of mugwort powder to some boiling water and steep the beverage for a few minutes before drinking warm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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15. Insect Repellant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If the summer season brings the mosquitos to your property, then keep them away with mugwort. The herb acts as a natural insect repellent<\/a>. You can blend the extract into a carrier oil like extra-virgin coconut or olive oil and rub it onto your skin. The mosquitoes hate the smell and the taste of the mugwort, and they’ll avoid you, looking for other targets instead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The oil works well, and you can also get scented candles with mugwort included in the ingredients. Burning the candle on the porch helps to chase the mosquitoes and other pests away from your garden. Mugwort acts as a fantastic pest repellant, and it’s also great for soothing the effects of insect bites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If insect bites feel itchy, rub some of the diluted extract oil onto your skin in the affected area. You’ll find that the mugwort’s natural soothing properties help relieve the itching symptoms and reduce inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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