⛩️Kampo / Japanese Medicine

Mugwort Rice Cakes

grain

Conditions addressed

Digestive IssuesCirculationInflammationHormonal ImbalanceFatigue

How to use

½–1 cup cooked, 1–2× daily
  • Cook as porridge, steam, or use as a base for meals.
  • Soak overnight before cooking to reduce phytic acid.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children

Pregnancy

Avoid

Mugwort is contraindicated in pregnancy — it's a documented emmenagogue/abortifacient and contains thujone.

Breastfeeding

Avoid

Contraindicated during breastfeeding due to thujone content and uterine-stimulant reputation.

Children

Avoid

Contraindicated in children due to thujone content.

As a member of the Asteraceae (ragweed/daisy) family, this herb carries a real chance of cross-reaction in anyone allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies — introduce cautiously if there's a known allergy.

Interactions & contraindications

May thin the blood

Watch for: Anticoagulants (warfarin), antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel), and other blood-thinning herbs or supplements (ginkgo, garlic, fish oil, vitamin E)

Combining blood-thinning substances can increase bleeding risk, including before surgery or dental work.

May affect hormone levels

Watch for: Hormone therapies, oral contraceptives, and tamoxifen or similar medications

Some herbs have mild phytoestrogenic or hormone-modulating activity that can interact with hormonal medications.

May have a stimulant effect

Watch for: Other caffeine-containing products, MAOIs, and stimulant medications (for ADHD or weight loss)

Additive stimulant effects can raise heart rate and blood pressure.