Chinese Medicine, 2012, 3, 116-123 http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/cm.2012.33019 Published Online September 2012 (http://www.SciRP.org/journal/cm) Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris, Artemisia douglasiana, Artemisia argyi) in the Treatment of Menopause, Premenstrual Syndrome, Dysmenorrhea and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder James David Adams, Cecilia Garcia, Garima Garg University of Southern California, School of Pharmacy, Los Angeles, USA Email:
[email protected] Received June 19, 2012; revised July 16, 2012; accepted July 30, 2012 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 hy- peractivity disorder benefit from mugwort therapy. There is no doubt that mugwort therapy is safer for these children than methylphenidate or amphetamine. Keywords: Mugwort; Artemisia vulgaris; Artemisia argyi; Artemisia douglasiana; Menopause; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder 1. Introduction 2. European Traditional Uses Mugwort is found in Europe (Artemisia vulgaris), Africa Mugwort, Artemisia vulgaris, is used in Europe as a bit- (Artemisia vulgaris), India (Artemisia vulgaris), Asia ter aromatic and is rarely used [1]. It is intended to (Artemisia argyi) and America (Artemisia douglasiana). stimulate gastric secretions in patients with poor appetite, This plant may have been transported throughout the is used against flatulence, distention, colic, diarrhea, consti- world by early humans who needed it for its medicinal pation, cramps, worm infestations, hysteria, epilepsy, vom- and food value.