Western Mugwort (Artemisia ludoviciana) has a long history of traditional use among Native American communities and herbalists in North America for a variety of digestive complaints, including dyspepsia (indigestion). Ethnobotanical records indicate that several tribes, such as the Navajo and Lakota, used the plant as a tea or infusion to alleviate stomach discomfort, stimulate appetite, and ease gastrointestinal distress. The rationale for its use is likely linked to the presence of bitter compounds and essential oils in the plant, which are known to stimulate digestive secretions and may help with mild digestive upset.

However, scientific evidence directly supporting the efficacy of Western Mugwort specifically for dyspepsia is limited. While some related Artemisia species (such as Artemisia absinthium, or wormwood) have been studied for their effects on digestion and shown to have mild pro-digestive properties, there are very few clinical or preclinical studies involving Artemisia ludoviciana itself. The available evidence is therefore mainly anecdotal and based on historical use rather than rigorous scientific validation. As such, the use of Western Mugwort for dyspepsia is primarily justified by tradition and not by strong scientific data.