Mugwort, or Artemisia (Artemisia vulgaris), is a perennial plant found throughout Europe, Asia, North Africa, and North America. In Greece, we encounter seven different species of mugwort, mainly in the mountainous forests of Macedonia, Epirus, and Thessaly, as well as in Crete.

In modern herbal medicine, Artemisia is used primarily in two cases:

• To regulate menstruation and address excessive menstrual flow.
• As a tonic for the digestive system, aiding in the digestion of fats.

The usual dosage is 10g per day in 3 doses. The preparation of an infusion is done by boiling 10g of mugwort in 1 liter of water for about 15 minutes. The infusion is sufficient for 3 cups that can be consumed in the morning, afternoon, and evening between meals. Artemisia is particularly bitter, and the addition of honey to the drink is recommended.

Consumption of Artemisia should be done with great caution, as prolonged use may cause dizziness and headaches. Herbs are, and should be treated as, medicines. Consulting a doctor before taking them is recommended.