Evidence supporting the use of: Mugwort
For the body system: Bladder

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in East Asian and European herbal practices. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), mugwort (known as "ai ye") is commonly used in moxibustion, a process in which the herb is burned near the skin to influence the flow of Qi and warm meridians. It is frequently applied to address conditions like frequent urination, urinary incontinence, and other bladder-related issues, based on the belief that mugwort can "warm" and tonify the lower body, including the bladder organ system. Similarly, in European folk medicine, mugwort was sometimes used as a diuretic and for disorders of the urinary tract, although evidence for its efficacy was anecdotal.

However, scientific research specifically validating mugwort’s effects on the bladder or urinary system is limited. Most studies on mugwort focus on its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties, but direct clinical trials regarding bladder health are lacking. Therefore, the use of mugwort for bladder support is primarily justified by historical and traditional usage rather than robust scientific evidence. As such, while there is a foundation in herbal tradition, the scientific evidence remains insufficient for strong endorsement, meriting a moderate rating.

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