MUGWORT OIL

Chemical properties

Artemisia oil (Armoise oil) is obtained by steam distillation of the herb Artemisia herba-alba Asso (Asteraceae) that grows wild in Northern Africa, mainly in Morocco, which produces ～30 t/yr, 70% of worldwide demand. It is a light yellow to yellow liquid with a light herbaceous odor characteristic of thujone. d²⁵₂₅ 0.917–0.935; n²⁰_D 1.4600–1.4720; α²⁰_D ?25° to ?8°. The major components of artemisia oil are the ketones camphor (15–40%) and α- and β-thujone (together 70–25%). Since A. herba-alba exists as various chemotypes, the composition of the oil may vary widely. Artemisia oil is used in fairly large amounts in fine fragrances (e.g., for chypre notes).

Occurrence

Found in the plant Artemisia absinthium L.

Preparation

By steam distillation of A. absinthium L.

Definition

Extractives and their physically modified derivatives. Artemisia, Compositae.

Essential oil composition

The chief constituent of artemisia is thujone.

General Description

Artemisia argyi has high medicinal value, and this medicinal value is mainly reflected in the essential oil. Take a bath with mugwort leaves in water to repel mosquitoes and disinfect in summer. It has a unique smell, fresh and natural. Mugwort Oil is a volatile aromatic substance extracted from the leaves and stems of wormwood by extrusion and solvent extraction. The efficacy of Mugwort Oil is more than 70 times that of this plant. When used in conjunction with moxibustion, it can enhance the sense.

Health effects

The main functions of Mugwort Oil: Regulate Qi and blood, warm meridians, dispel cold and dampness, relieve pain, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, stimulate digestive glands, relieve cough and reduce phlegm, promote circulation, invigorate Qi, and enhance immunity.

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by ingestion. An allergen. Habitual users develop “absinthtsm” with tremors, vertigo, vomiting, and hallucinations. May cause a contact dermatitis. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes