Botanical Overview
Artemisia princeps, commonly known as Japanese mugwort or Yomogi, belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is native to East Asia including Japan, Korea, and China. The leaf and herb parts of the plant are primarily used in herbal medicine.
Energetics
The herb is characterized as warming and drying, with bitter and acrid tastes. It has an ascending directionality with tonifying properties, particularly benefiting the qi and blood systems.
Primary Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antimicrobial
- Digestive tonic
- Hemostatic
- Antispasmodic
Indications
Western
- Indigestion
- Flatulence
- Diarrhea
- Skin inflammation
- Wounds
- Menstrual pain
- Respiratory infections
Syndromes
- Digestive insufficiency
- Minor bleeding
- Inflammatory skin conditions
- Respiratory congestion
TCM
- Abdominal pain
- Dysmenorrhea
- Diarrhea
- Skin itching
- External cold damp pain
Syndromes
- Cold-damp obstruction syndrome
- Blood stasis
- Qi stagnation in liver and spleen
Ayurveda
No firmly established indications.
Unani
No firmly established indications.
Constituents & Mechanisms
The plant contains flavonoids, essential oils, sesquiterpene lactones, volatile oils, and coumarins, which contribute to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and hemostatic effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Infusion 2-4 g 2-3 times daily
- Decoction 3-6 g 1-2 times daily
- Topical application as poultice or wash
Safety & Contraindications
Generally safe when used appropriately. Caution advised during pregnancy due to insufficient safety data. Possible allergic reactions such as contact dermatitis may occur. Monitor use with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs due to mild hemostatic activity.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliable data on planetary or elemental rulers was found in credible sources.
Selected References
- Plant Resources of South-East Asia (PROSEA), 2004
- Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 2004
- European Medicines Agency Community Herbal Monograph, 2015
- Tanaka et al., PubMed, 2010