Can mugwort treat skin diseases?
Disease description:
My parents recently developed some skin conditions, resembling eczema, with severe itching. They heard from others that mugwort may help treat skin diseases and wanted to give it a try, but they're also somewhat concerned that it might not be effective. I don't know much about these things either, so I'd like to ask the doctor: can mugwort truly treat skin disorders?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin
In general, mugwort has certain auxiliary therapeutic effects on some skin diseases, but it cannot completely cure them. The specific analysis is as follows:
As a traditional Chinese herb, mugwort possesses various functions such as warming and promoting blood circulation through the meridians, regulating qi flow, detoxification, and removing dampness. These properties can positively improve symptoms of skin diseases. When applied externally, its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory components can disrupt the cellular structure of pathogens, inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria and fungi, and help alleviate skin inflammation.
Moreover, mugwort can enhance skin resistance, regulate immune system function, and improve the skin's tolerance to external irritants. For individuals prone to allergies or with weakened immunity, it can help improve skin condition and reduce the occurrence of skin diseases.
However, there are many types of skin diseases with complex causes. Serious conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, and systemic lupus erythematosus cannot be adequately treated with mugwort alone—and doing so might even delay proper treatment.
If considering mugwort as an adjunct in treating skin diseases, it can be used externally by washing or applying compresses with the water it has been boiled in, or made into moxa sticks for moxibustion. However, prior consultation with a physician is essential to ensure proper application based on individual conditions, taking into account personal differences and contraindications. Furthermore, one should not rely solely on mugwort; if skin disease symptoms are severe or do not improve, prompt medical treatment at a hospital dermatology department is necessary.
