Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in East Asia and Europe. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), mugwort is often used in moxibustion—a therapy that involves burning mugwort near or on the skin—to support immunity and prevent illnesses, including colds. Folk remedies have also used mugwort as a tea or tincture to alleviate respiratory symptoms, promote sweating, and “expel wind-cold,” which are believed to be causes of colds in TCM theory.

However, scientific evidence supporting mugwort’s effectiveness in preventing or treating colds is minimal. While some laboratory studies have shown that mugwort contains compounds with mild antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory properties, these findings have not been translated into robust clinical trials for cold prevention in humans. As a result, the use of mugwort for this purpose remains primarily rooted in traditional practice rather than scientific validation. Overall, while mugwort is historically used for colds in various cultures, its efficacy is not supported by modern research, and the evidence level is low.

More about mugwort
More about Colds (prevention)

Other ingredients used for Colds (prevention)

Other health conditions supported by mugwort

Products containing mugwort

Nature's Sunshine Artemisia Combination
Nature's Sunshine Para-Cleanse