Mugwort (Moxa) Poultice
poultice
Ingredients
Conditions addressed
How to use
Apply a small amount to the affected area 1–2× daily. Patch-test on a small area of skin first.
- A traditional poultice made from Mugwort (Yomogi) herb, Sesame oil, Ginger, Beeswax.
- Prepare in small batches and store in a cool, dark place.
Interactions & contraindications
Mugwort (Yomogi) herb
Full profile- Hormone-sensitive conditions (breast/ovarian cancer, endometriosis) — phytoestrogenic activity possible
- CNS medications (benzodiazepines, SSRIs, MAOIs) — may potentiate sedative or serotonergic effects
Pregnancy
AvoidMugwort is contraindicated in pregnancy — it's a documented emmenagogue/abortifacient and contains thujone.
Breastfeeding
AvoidContraindicated during breastfeeding due to thujone content and uterine-stimulant reputation.
Children
AvoidContraindicated 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.
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.
Sesame oil
Full profileNo herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Sesame oil in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Sesame oil itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.
Pregnancy
AvoidThis herb is associated with hormone-modulating activity. Because pregnancy is a uniquely hormone-sensitive state, herbs in this category are generally avoided unless specifically guided by a midwife or doctor — this is a general, mechanism-based caution, not herb-specific research.
Breastfeeding
Use CautionHormone-modulating herbs can potentially affect milk supply or pass hormone-active compounds to the infant — generally used cautiously and under guidance.
Children
AvoidHormone-modulating herbs are generally avoided in children given the sensitivity of ongoing hormonal development.
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.
Ginger
Full profile- Autoimmune conditions (lupus, MS, RA) — may overstimulate immune response
Pregnancy
Likely SafeOne of the best-studied herbs for pregnancy — widely used and generally recommended in typical culinary/tea doses (up to ~1g/day) for morning sickness. Very high doses are usually advised against in the final weeks due to a theoretical mild antiplatelet effect.
Breastfeeding
Likely SafeCommonly used in normal culinary amounts; no significant concerns documented in typical use.
Children
Likely SafeWidely used in diluted tea or crystallized form for children's nausea and stomach upset; well tolerated in age-appropriate amounts.
Blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin)
Mild antiplatelet activity may add to bleeding risk at high doses.
Diabetes medications
May have an additive blood-sugar-lowering effect.
Beeswax
- Pre-surgery — discontinue at least 2 weeks prior (potential antiplatelet effect)
- Hormone-sensitive conditions (breast/ovarian cancer, endometriosis) — phytoestrogenic activity possible
No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Beeswax in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Beeswax itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.
Pregnancy
AvoidThis herb is associated with hormone-modulating activity. Because pregnancy is a uniquely hormone-sensitive state, herbs in this category are generally avoided unless specifically guided by a midwife or doctor — this is a general, mechanism-based caution, not herb-specific research.
Breastfeeding
Use CautionHormone-modulating herbs can potentially affect milk supply or pass hormone-active compounds to the infant — generally used cautiously and under guidance.
Children
AvoidHormone-modulating herbs are generally avoided in children given the sensitivity of ongoing hormonal development.
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.