Can a 9-month-old baby soak in mugwort every day?

Nov 15, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
In general, it is not recommended to bathe a 9-month-old baby in mugwort (ai cao) every day. The use of traditional Chinese herbs should follow medical advice. A 9-month-old baby's skin is very delicate, and mugwort has certain irritant properties. Daily exposure to mugwort soaks may damage the baby's skin barrier, leading to dryness, redness, itching, or even allergic reactions. In addition, a 9-month-old baby's body systems are not yet fully developed.

Generally speaking, it is not recommended to bathe a 9-month-old baby in mugwort (Artemisia argyi) water every day. The use of traditional Chinese medicinal materials should follow medical advice. Specific analysis is as follows:

A 9-month-old baby has very delicate and sensitive skin. Mugwort has certain irritant properties; daily exposure may damage the skin's natural barrier, leading to dryness, redness, itching, or even allergic reactions. Moreover, at nine months old, a baby’s body systems are still immature. Some components in mugwort may cause excessive internal "yang" energy, resulting in heatiness symptoms such as increased eye discharge, mouth sores, tongue ulcers, and irritability. In addition, mugwort leaves contain a volatile oil that should not be inhaled in large amounts, as excessive exposure may affect health, suppress the nervous system, and lead to dizziness, headaches, and mood changes.

In specific cases—such as when the baby has a constitutionally cold body type or suffers from eczema—mugwort may be used only under a doctor's guidance, with strict control over bathing duration and frequency to avoid adverse effects on the infant.