Evidence supporting the use of: Western Mugwort
For the health condition: Dysmenorrhea

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Synopsis

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

Western Mugwort (Artemisia ludoviciana) has a long-standing history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly among Native American and European herbal practices. It has been used for a range of gynecological concerns, including dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). The traditional rationale for its use centers on its reputed antispasmodic, emmenagogue (stimulating menstrual flow), and mild analgesic properties. Preparations such as teas or tinctures were commonly employed by indigenous groups to alleviate menstrual cramps and regulate menstrual cycles.

Despite its traditional use, scientific research specifically examining the efficacy of Western Mugwort for dysmenorrhea is limited. Most available studies on dysmenorrhea and Artemisia species focus on closely related species, such as Artemisia vulgaris (common mugwort), rather than A. ludoviciana itself. These studies sometimes indicate that certain compounds in Artemisia species—such as flavonoids and volatile oils—may have muscle-relaxant and anti-inflammatory effects, which could theoretically reduce menstrual pain. However, robust clinical trials directly evaluating A. ludoviciana for dysmenorrhea are lacking.

In summary, the use of Western Mugwort for dysmenorrhea is primarily supported by traditional use rather than strong scientific evidence. The overall strength of evidence is low, reflecting a need for more rigorous research to validate its efficacy and safety for this condition.

More about Western Mugwort
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Products containing Western Mugwort

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