In Okinawa, mugwort is called "Fuchiba" (Fuchi = illness, Ba = leaf) and is cherished as a nutrient-rich herb packed with vitamins A, calcium, potassium, iron, and more. Traditionally, when feeling unwell, people would boil Fuchiba leaves to make a juice and drink it. This traditional herb is now being explored by the latest scientific research! Below are the possible benefits of Fuchiba revealed by science (this is general information, and effects vary by individual; please consult a doctor if you have health concerns).
Our shop’s non-heated enzyme supplement is full of Fuchiba (mugwort) nutrients. This page summarizes, in an easy-to-understand way, what global research papers (scientific reports) have found about the potential benefits of mugwort.
Potential Benefits from Mugwort Research
Scientific studies suggest mugwort may have the following effects:
- Preventing body damage (antioxidant): May help protect the body from aging.
- Supporting liver health (liver protection): Could keep the liver (an organ that cleans toxins) healthy.
- Improving digestion: Might ease diarrhea or stomach pain.
- Women’s health support: Traditionally used for menstrual issues or menopause (when a woman’s body changes).
- Reducing pain or spasms (analgesic and antispasmodic): May help with pain or muscle cramps.
- Fighting bacteria or fungi (antibacterial and antifungal): Could help with wounds or skin issues.
- Supporting cancer prevention or treatment: Mugwort components may target cancer cells.
Below, we explain four studies in detail, covering what experiments were done, their results, and what they mean.
Detailed Scientific Studies on Mugwort
|
Paper Title / Year / Journal |
Experiment Details |
Results |
What We Learned |
|
Significance of Artemisia Vulgaris L. (Common Mugwort) in the History of Medicine and Its Possible Contemporary Applications Substantiated by Phytochemical and Pharmacological Studies 2020 / Molecules Link |
Researchers reviewed old records and analyzed mugwort’s components. They tested mugwort extracts (plant essence) in test tubes (in vitro: lab experiments) and animals (in vivo: live experiments). For example, they used rats to test liver (organ that removes toxins) damage. |
Mugwort components (flavonoids: plant pigments; sesquiterpene lactones: bitter chemicals) showed antioxidant (protects from damage), antibacterial (fights germs), analgesic (pain-relieving), antispasmodic (cramp-relieving), and antifungal (fights fungi) effects. Liver protection was confirmed. |
Mugwort, known as the “mother of herbs,” may support liver health and women’s issues (like irregular periods) in modern times, backed by science. |
|
Mild moxibustion for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea (IBS-D): A randomized controlled trial 2022 / Journal of Ethnopharmacology Link |
A randomized controlled trial (RCT: splitting patients randomly to compare groups) tested mugwort leaf moxibustion (warming therapy) on IBS-D (diarrhea-type irritable bowel syndrome: stomach pain and diarrhea) patients, comparing real moxibustion to a fake (placebo: no-effect) version. |
The real moxibustion group had less diarrhea and stomach pain than the placebo group. Mugwort’s stimulation helped gut function. |
Mugwort-based warming therapy may ease digestive issues, showing traditional methods could be scientifically valid. |
|
Artemisinin and its derivatives: a promising cancer therapy 2020 / Molecular Biology Reports Link |
Tested artemisinin (a mugwort component used in malaria drugs) derivatives (related substances) on cancer cells in test tubes, checking cytotoxicity (ability to kill cells). |
Artemisinin attacked cancer cells and showed antioxidant effects, suggesting potential for cancer prevention. It worked on various cancer cells. |
Mugwort’s components may be promising for new cancer treatments, but more research is needed. |
|
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris, Artemisia douglasiana, Artemisia argyi) in the Treatment of Menopause, Premenstrual Syndrome, Dysmenorrhea and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder 2012 / Scientific Research Publishing Link |
Reviewed mugwort types and tested hormone (body balance regulators) effects in animal studies, focusing on menopause (women’s body change phase), menstrual pain, and ADHD (difficulty focusing). |
Mugwort showed estrogen-like effects (mimicking female hormones), balancing hormones and supporting traditional uses. |
Mugwort may help with women’s health or focus issues. Its potential for ADHD was also discussed. |
Important Notes
These studies suggest mugwort may have positive effects, but results vary by person. Our supplement is made with mugwort and over 80 other ingredients, concentrated five times for potency. Enjoy this as general health information.
Allergy Note: Our mugwort is washed to remove pollen, but in rare cases, allergies (like itching) may occur. If you have pollen allergies or food allergies (e.g., hazelnuts), consult a doctor before use.
References
- Significance of Artemisia Vulgaris L. (Common Mugwort) in the History of Medicine and Its Possible Contemporary Applications Substantiated by Phytochemical and Pharmacological Studies (2020). PubMed | PDF
- Mild moxibustion for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea (IBS-D): A randomized controlled trial (2022). PubMed | PDF
- Artemisinin and its derivatives: a promising cancer therapy (2020). PubMed | PDF
- Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris, Artemisia douglasiana, Artemisia argyi) in the Treatment of Menopause, Premenstrual Syndrome, Dysmenorrhea and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (2012). PDF
Cultural Reference:
- "Fuchiba (Okinawa’s Mugwort)" (June 16, 2022, Okinawa Story). Link