Posted by Marco Graham on Oct 2nd 2026
Mugwort Tea: How to Make It, Taste, Benefits & Safety
Mugwort tea is bitter, herbal and a little sage-like, and it has one of the longest histories of any European and Asian folk herb. People use it as an after-dinner bitter, a bedtime ritual tea and an ingredient in dream pillows. It also has real safety considerations, especially in pregnancy. Here's how to make it, what it tastes like, and what's actually known about it, using our dried mugwort.
What is mugwort?
Mugwort is Artemisia vulgaris, a tall, hardy perennial with deeply cut leaves that are green on top and silvery-white underneath. It grows along roadsides and field edges across Europe, Asia and North America. Its relatives include wormwood and tarragon. It has been used for centuries in European folk herbalism, in brewing before hops were common, and in traditional Chinese and Japanese practice (dried mugwort is the herb used in moxibustion).
What does mugwort tea taste like?
Distinctly bitter with an earthy, sage-and-chamomile aroma. Some describe it as sharp and medicinal. Most people prefer it in a blend or with a little honey. It pairs well with mint, lemon balm and chamomile, which soften the bitterness.
How to make mugwort tea
- Bring 8 oz of water just to a boil.
- Add 1 teaspoon of dried mugwort (start with ½ teaspoon if you're new to bitter herbs).
- Cover and steep 5–10 minutes. Shorter is milder; longer is more bitter.
- Strain, then add honey or lemon to taste.
Keep it to an occasional cup rather than drinking it in large amounts every day (see safety below).
Gentler mugwort blends
| Blend | Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mugwort + mint | ½ tsp mugwort + 1 tsp peppermint | Cooling; the mint covers most of the bitterness |
| Mugwort + lemon balm | ½ tsp mugwort + 1 tsp lemon balm | Soft, lemony evening cup |
| Bedtime blend | ½ tsp mugwort + 1 tsp chamomile | A popular "dream tea" combination |
Mugwort tea benefits: tradition vs. evidence
Digestion (traditional bitter)
Mugwort's bitterness is the main reason it has long been taken before or after heavy meals. Bitter herbs traditionally get used to "wake up" digestion. This is well established in folk practice, but modern clinical research on mugwort tea itself is limited.
Sleep and "dream tea"
Mugwort is famous as a dream herb, used in tea or tucked into pillows for more vivid dreams. This is a long folk tradition, and many people enjoy it as a wind-down ritual. There's no solid scientific evidence that it changes dreams.
Menstrual tradition
Historically, mugwort was used to bring on or regulate menstruation. That same property is why it's unsafe in pregnancy. Don't use mugwort to try to influence your cycle without speaking to a healthcare provider.
Plant compounds
Mugwort contains flavonoids, coumarins and volatile oils (including small amounts of thujone and camphor). Lab studies have explored these compounds, but lab results don't translate directly to what a cup of tea does in the body.
Mugwort safety
- Pregnancy, trying to conceive, breastfeeding: avoid.
- Allergies: mugwort pollen is a common allergen. If you react to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, or to celery, carrot or birch (all known cross-reactions), avoid mugwort.
- Amount and duration: mugwort contains thujone, which can be harmful in large amounts. Stick to occasional cups, not long-term daily use.
- Medications and health conditions: ask your doctor or pharmacist before using mugwort if you take prescription medicine.
Frequently asked questions
Does mugwort tea have caffeine?
No. Mugwort is an herb, not a true tea, so it's naturally caffeine-free.
Is mugwort tea safe to drink every day?
It's best kept occasional. Because of its thujone content and potent traditional actions, it isn't a casual everyday tea like peppermint or rooibos.
Can I use mugwort for a dream pillow?
Yes. Many people fill a small cloth sachet with dried mugwort, often mixed with lavender, and tuck it near their pillow.
Shop Dried Mugwort