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Mugwort bath (yomogi-yu)
よもぎ湯 / 艾草浴
A listing is not a recommendation.
Origin: Japan, the Korean peninsula, and China · Tradition: East Asian herbal bathing · Heat & water
What it is
A herbal bath of water in which mugwort (yomogi / ai) has been simmered. It has been used in folk practice for feeling cold, tiredness, and women’s discomfort. It is close to mugwort steaming, but done in a bathtub.
A short introduction (not a treatment instruction)
- Place mugwort that is reliable for food or bathing use in a bag, simmer it thoroughly, then bathe.
- Test the skin before using it on the whole body (a patch test).
- Avoid a hot herbal bath in pregnancy.
Symptoms or aims often mentioned with this practice
- Feeling cold easily
- Tiredness
- Period pain
- Cold or puffy feet
Research notes (this is not a promise of effect)
D: Traditional use only. This review did not find enough clinical research on the practice itself
NCCIH states that evidence on the usefulness and safety of mugwort is insufficient. It can also cause an Asteraceae (daisy family) allergy.
Sources
Safety notes
Asteraceae allergy, photosensitivity, and use in pregnancy carry risks. Watch for misidentifying wild plants.
If you are unsure, or if you have a health condition, are pregnant, or take medicine, consult a qualified professional.
Situations in which this is better avoided
- An Asteraceae allergy
- Pregnancy
- When the skin barrier is markedly weak