Evidence supporting the use of: Chinese mugwort
For the health condition: Cramps (menstrual)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Chinese mugwort (Artemisia argyi, known as "Ai Ye" in Traditional Chinese Medicine) has a long history of use for alleviating menstrual cramps and regulating menstrual cycles. In TCM, mugwort is believed to warm the meridians, dispel cold, and stop pain, particularly in gynecological disorders such as dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). It is commonly used in the form of decoctions, tinctures, or as moxa (burned in moxibustion therapy), where it is applied to acupuncture points to enhance circulation and reduce pain.
Scientific studies on Chinese mugwort's effectiveness for menstrual cramps are limited and mostly preliminary. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that components of mugwort (such as essential oils and flavonoids) may have anti-inflammatory and smooth muscle relaxant properties, which could potentially help with menstrual pain. However, high-quality, large-scale human clinical trials are lacking, and most of the supportive evidence is anecdotal or based on traditional practice rather than rigorous scientific validation. Therefore, while its use is well-established in traditional medicine, scientific support remains limited.
Other ingredients used for Cramps (menstrual)
black currantcalcium
turmeric
elderberry
fennel
ginger
green tea
licorice root
magnesium
motherwort
parsley
peppermint oil
pomegranate
vitamin D
wild yam
zinc
tangerine
anise
queen of the meadow
Angelica
Alchemilla
Anserina
Anemone
Agnuside
Ashoka
Blue Cohosh
Bethroot
black salt
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cramp Bark
Chuchuhuasi
Cowslip
Celosia
False Unicorn Root
Pennyroyal
Other health conditions supported by Chinese mugwort
Abdominal PainAfterbirth Pain
Amenorrhea
Anemia
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bedwetting
Bleeding (external)
Bleeding (internal)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Cardiovascular Disease
Chest Pain
Chills
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cramps (menstrual)
Cuts
Dandruff
Depression
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dysmenorrhea
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Edema
Emotional Sensitivity
Endometriosis
Eye Infections
Eyes (red or itching)
Fatigue
Fever