Mugwort Herbal Uses. The mugwort plant has been used as an anthelminthic, so it is sometimes confused with wormwood (Artemisia absinthium). The downy hairs on the underside of the leaves can be scraped off and used as effective tinder.

Mugwort has also been used therapeutically to relieve sleeplessness.

The composition of mugwort essential oil can vary depending on the genus of plant selected, its habitat, as well as the part of the plant extracted and the season of its harvest. Its main components can include camphor, cineole, α- and β-thujone, artemisia ketone (CAS: 546-49-6), borneol and bornyl acetate as well as a wide variety of other phenols, terpenes, and aliphatic compounds.

The presence and concentration of thujone varies largely by species, as well as the climactic, and soil conditions where the plant is grown.

All parts of the plant contain essential oils with all-purpose insecticidal properties (especially in the killing of insect larvae).

This is best used in a weak infusion, but use on garden plants is not recommended, as it also reduces plant growth.

• Tincture or Extract: taken orally to help fevers, stomach aches, liver complications, colds and coughs.^[15][16]
• Essential Oil: studies relate various compounds within Mugwort oil to effects on blood pressure, tumor growth, and menstrual cycle, as well as anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, and antimicrobial effects.

Essential oils are generally extracted by distillation, often by using steam. Other processes include expression, solvent extraction, sfumatura, absolute oil extraction, resin tapping, wax embedding, and cold pressing.

They are used in perfumes, cosmetics, soaps, air fresheners and other products, for flavoring food and drink, and for adding scents to incense and household cleaning products.