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Mugwort also known as Moxa or St John's herb

Parts Used: Aerial parts Constituents: Volitile oil, bitter principle (absinthin), flavonoids, tannin

Main uses Medical: Regulates Menstruation. This herb, used by women since ancient time, has been used to provoke delayed or absent periods. In the west it was used as a pregnancy control. In China, however, it has been used to prevent miscarriage. Mugwort helps to regulate periods and stop pain. LIke wormwood, it was used externally as a compress to speed up the birth process and to help expel the afterbirth. It, like wormwood, also activates the digestive process and stimulates the liver. In China it, in the form of Moxa it is burnt on or near the skin to alleviate rhuematic pains caused by cold and damp conditions. It is used in China and Europe to treat gout and rheumatism. WARNING!!! DO NOT use during pregnancy except under the direction of a liscensed herbal practioner. Avoid takinglarge doses and avoid prolonged use. Mugwort is a perenial bush that grows 1-6 feet high, depending on growing conditions. It prefers dry areas with full sun. Hardiness depends on the variety of plant. It can grow in zones 7b -15C/5F to 4a -34C/-30F. Please note that in Colorado, in all counties but Garfield it is classified as a noxious weed and should be repoted to the Colorodo Department of Agriculture.

--Jasper 23:00, 15 November 2006 (PST)