Study, 2012
Does mugwort help with premenstrual syndrome?
Mugwort is used traditionally for PMS and contains a compound that may work through serotonin. However, there is no clinical research evidence presented here, only historical uses.
What they did
This article reviews the traditional uses of mugwort for various conditions affecting women and children, including PMS, period pain, menopausal symptoms, and attention problems.
What they found
Mugwort contains a compound called a sesquiterpene that appears to work through the serotonin system. The article describes mugwort as used traditionally for PMS, period pain, and menopausal symptoms. It is claimed to be safer than hormone replacement therapy for menopause and safer than stimulant medications for attention problems.
What it means for you
This describes traditional uses and theories about how mugwort might work, not results from clinical trials with patients. There is no research evidence presented showing that mugwort actually helps PMS. If you are interested in trying it, talk to your doctor first.
About the study
- Original title
- Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris, Artemisia douglasiana, Artemisia argyi) in the Treatment of Menopause, Premenstrual Syndrome, Dysmenorrhea and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Authors
- James David Adams Jr., Cecilia García, Garima Garg
- Journal
- Chinese Medicine
- Year
- 2012
- Study design
- Study
- What was tested
- Mugwort (herbal medicine)
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.4236/cm.2012.33019
Original abstract
Mugwort has many traditional uses around the world. The Chumash Indians of California use it to treat imbalances that women may suffer such as premenstrual syndrome, dysmenorrhea and menopausal symptoms. The plant contains a sesquiterpene that appears to work through a serotonergic mechanism and may be beneficial for women. Mugwort therapy is safer for menopausal women than hormone replacement therapy. Children affected by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder benefit from mugwort therapy. There is no doubt that mugwort therapy is safer for these children than methylphenidate or amphetamine.
Reproduced under CC-BY.
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