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Mugwort (common, camphor/thujone CT)

Ngải cứu (CT camphor-thujone)

Artemisia vulgaris

Common mugwort, Indian wormwood

Asteraceae · Phần trên mặt đất khi ra hoa · Aerial parts of flowering plant · Steam-distilled


Mugwort (common, camphor/thujone CT) essential oil (Artemisia vulgaris) — botanical illustration
Artemisia vulgaris

Safety

Neurotoxic · Pregnancy prohibited

α-Thujone and β-thujone are both present. Total thujone may reach 30 percent. Neurotoxic, can cause convulsions at high doses.

Camphor 10-25 percent, adds further neurotoxic risk.

Strictly contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding, children under 6, and individuals with a history of epilepsy or kidney disease.

Both oral and dermal doses must be very limited.


Usage guidelines

Contraindications
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children under 6, epilepsy, kidney disease
Storage
Dark, sealed, refrigerated

Chemistry

Volatile constituents
Camphor10.0 – 25.0 %
α-Thujone5.0 – 18.0 %
β-Thujone5.0 – 15.0 %
1,8-Cineole5.0 – 12.0 %
Camphene3.0 – 8.0 %
α-Pinene2.0 – 6.0 %

Botanical source

Artemisia vulgaris grows across Europe, Asia, and North America. A perennial herb up to 1.5m tall with dark green upper leaves and grey-white undersides.

The name 'Indian wormwood' refers to the chemotype grown in India, sometimes richer in thujone than other regions.

Family Asteraceae (Compositae), genus Artemisia (same genus as wormwood, tarragon, and sagebrush).


Notes

In East Asian traditional medicine, mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is used for moxibustion and gynecological remedies. However, the distilled essential oil carries neurotoxic risks completely different from the use of dried leaves.

In Vietnam, ngai cuu is a familiar culinary herb used in porridge and soups. Eaten cooked and in small amounts, it is not hazardous like the essential oil.