Nagdamani: Benefits, Uses & Dosage

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), known as Nagadamani in Sanskrit, is a bitter and pungent herb with heating virya and pungent vipaka (VK- P+ in excess). It acts on the skin, blood, muscles, marrow and nerve tissues, working through the circulatory, female reproductive, nervous, digestive, and respiratory systems.

Various members of the Artemisia species are used medicinally throughout the world, including mugwort, wormwood, southernwood, and the sagebrush of the Great Basin region. All possess similar properties as bitter aromatics. Of these, mugwort is the better emmenagogue; wormwood is better for killing worms and strengthening digestion; and sagebrush appears to be a better diaphoretic. They are particularly good for sama Vata conditions, such as arthritis, or for nervous conditions owing to obstructed Vata.

Mugwort's key actions include emmenagogue, antispasmodic, hemostatic, diaphoretic, anthelmintic, and antiseptic. It is indicated for dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, infertility, prevention of miscarriage, sciatica, convulsions, hysteria, epilepsy, depression, mental exhaustion, insomnia, gout, rheumatism, and fungal infections. Precautions: Avoid in high Pitta conditions and uterine infection or inflammation. Preparations: Infusion (do not over-boil), powder (250 to 500 mg).

• Krimighna (anthelmintic)
• Deepana (digestive)
• Jvarghna (antipyretic)