Can mugwort leaves be steeped in water for drinking?
May 10, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Mugwort, scientifically known as Artemisia argyi, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the genus Artemisia in the family Asteraceae. It has a warm nature and a pungent taste, and is capable of warming the meridians to dispel cold, relieving pain, and stopping bleeding. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as abdominal pain and menstrual irregularities caused by deficiency-cold. Modern research has found that mugwort contains antibacterial components that can inhibit certain pathogens, thus possessing both medicinal and cultural value. Steeping mugwort in water produces a relatively mild medicinal effect.
Generally speaking, mugwort leaves can be steeped in water. The specific details are as follows:
Mugwort leaf is the dried leaf of the mugwort plant from the Compositae family and is categorized as a traditional Chinese herb. It contains volatile oils, quercetin, polysaccharides, trace elements, etc. Among these components, the volatile oils have antibacterial and antiviral properties, which can help dispel cold and dampness and relieve pain. Quercetin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties and enhances capillary resistance. Polysaccharides can enhance the body's disease resistance through immune regulation. Trace elements can improve a cold-deficient constitution. Steeping mugwort in water can largely preserve the volatile oils and flavonoids, which dissolve slowly, keeping the medicinal properties relatively mild and thus beneficial to health.
There are also some precautions when using mugwort leaves for steeping. Mugwort contains a small amount of toxic component, eucalyptol, so long-term consumption is not recommended. Attention should also be paid to the quantity used each time to avoid excessive medicinal effects that may affect health. Additionally, special populations should use it cautiously; for example, those allergic to mugwort may experience symptoms such as swelling and hives after consumption.
Although mugwort has multiple benefits, it is only suitable for auxiliary regulation. In daily life, moderate exercise, scientific diet, and avoiding staying up late are essential to maintaining a relatively healthy condition.
