Artemisia vulgaris, commonly known as mugwort, is an herbaceous perennial plant native to Europe and Asia. It has feathery, lobed leaves and small, inconspicuous flowers. Mugwort has a long history of use in traditional medicine and is also used as a culinary herb and insect repellent.
The plant is easy to grow from cuttings or seedlings and prefers moist, well-drained soil. In Vietnam, mugwort is a familiar spice in every household, known by various names such as cai diep or thuoc cao. It is a perennial herb with feather-like, lobed leaves that grow in an alternate pattern.
The leaves of mugwort are small, green, and feathery, with a pointed tip and a white underside. The stem has longitudinal grooves, and the plant thrives in damp, shady environments. Mugwort has been used for its medicinal properties for a long time.

Mugwort leaves are an effective and safe remedy for spinal degeneration.
– Mugwort has a bitter taste, a slightly spicy flavor, and a warming effect, improving blood circulation.
– It promotes blood flow and relieves pain.
– Mugwort is an effective antiseptic for genital wounds.
– It relaxes the muscles in the neck and shoulder area.
– Mugwort helps alleviate stiffness and pain in the neck.
Modern medicine has also studied the composition of mugwort leaves and discovered that the plant contains aspirin, which has excellent pain-relieving properties. Therefore, many people with joint and bone diseases use mugwort leaves for home treatment.
Treating neck and shoulder pain with mugwort is easy, inexpensive, and safe. However, it is essential to follow the correct methods to achieve the desired results.
6 Methods to Treat Neck and Shoulder Pain with Mugwort
Using mugwort to treat neck and shoulder pain is straightforward, and you can do it yourself at home anytime. Here are some effective methods to try.
1. Treating Neck and Shoulder Pain with Mugwort and Honey
For this method, you will need a handful of fresh mugwort leaves and pure honey.
Wash and crush the mugwort leaves, then mix them with two spoons of honey. Squeeze the mixture to extract the juice. Drink the juice twice a day, finishing it within a day without leaving any for the next day. For best results, continue this treatment for one to two weeks.
2. Treating Neck and Shoulder Pain with Mugwort and Salt
This method involves using mugwort and salt to relieve pain in the neck, shoulders, knees, hips, and lower back. It is one of the simplest and most widely used treatments.
Sea salt is non-toxic and has a cooling property. It can promote blood circulation, detoxify, calm the mind, reduce excess heat in the body, and help guide other medicines into the meridians. Combining salt with mugwort enhances the effect of removing blood stasis and reducing pain.
Instructions:
– Prepare a handful of fresh mugwort leaves and an appropriate amount of salt.
– Wash and dry the mugwort leaves.
– Put the mugwort and salt in a pan and heat until the mugwort releases its aroma.
– Place the mixture in a cloth bag or wrap it in a cloth.
– Apply it to the painful area of the neck and shoulders for 10 to 15 minutes to relieve pain, stiffness, and soreness.
For best results, continue this treatment for two consecutive weeks.
3. Treating Neck and Shoulder Pain with Mugwort, Citrus, and Grapefruit
This popular method uses the benefits of vitamin C in citrus and grapefruit to improve spinal degeneration effectively.
Prepare 300g of dried mugwort, the peel of two grapefruits, 1.5kg of seeded lemons, 200g of rock sugar, and 2.5 liters of white liquor.
Treating spinal degeneration with mugwort, citrus, and grapefruit.
First, process the mugwort, citrus, and grapefruit peel by stir-frying them until they turn golden brown. Put the mixture into a clean glass jar and add the liquor and rock sugar. Let the mixture infuse for at least two weeks before consuming. Drink a small glass daily for a month to see improvements.
4. Treating Neck and Shoulder Pain with Mugwort, Pepper Leaves, and White Liquor
Combining mugwort with pepper leaves and white liquor helps relieve neck and shoulder pain, numbness, stiffness, soreness, and weakness in the upper limbs. It is faster-acting than other methods and also helps warm the joints, eliminate wind-dampness, improve mobility, and promote blood circulation.
Instructions:
– Prepare a handful each of pepper leaves and mugwort leaves and some white liquor.
– Wash and chop the leaves, then mix them with the liquor.
– Warm the mixture and apply it to the neck, shoulders, and back using a cloth.
– This will help reduce pain, soreness, numbness, and stiffness.
Treating neck and shoulder pain with mugwort, pepper leaves, and white liquor
5. Treating Neck and Shoulder Pain with Mugwort and Fresh Ginger
This method combines mugwort and fresh ginger to relieve neck and shoulder pain caused by exposure to wind, rain, or cold air. Cold temperatures cause muscle contractions and reduced blood circulation, leading to stiffness and pain. The warming and analgesic properties of this treatment help dispel wind and cold, promote blood flow, relax neck muscles, and restore mobility.
Instructions:
– Prepare a piece of fresh ginger and a handful of mugwort leaves.
– Wash and chop the ginger and mugwort, then stir-fry them until hot.
– Place the mixture in a cloth bag and apply it to the painful area.

6. Treating Neck and Shoulder Pain by Drinking Mugwort Tea
Drinking mugwort tea is suitable for people with neck and shoulder pain caused by blood stasis. Blood stasis leads to muscle stiffness, reduced mobility, and pain. This condition often results from trauma, incorrect posture, and strenuous labor.
Instructions:
– Wash fresh mugwort leaves and let them air dry.
– Boil the leaves in water to make a tea.
– Drink the tea daily for seven to ten consecutive days.
Neck and shoulder pain can be treated in various ways, including Western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, etc. However, treating neck and shoulder pain with mugwort is a simple and easily accessible method that has been trusted by many people. Regular application of this treatment can significantly improve the condition.
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