History of Artemisia douglasiana and its Therapeutic Usage
Historically, Artemisia campestris is considered a medicinal halophytic shrub and is commonly spotted in coastal sand dunes, especially throughout the sand dunes of the European Atlantic coast, as well as in the Santa heights area in the Americas. Before settlers arrived in the Americas, Artemisia douglasiana (California mugwort) was used by Native Americans, namely the Chumash and Cahuilla. The Chumash and Cahuilla found use of the plant primarily for the treatment of nervous and spasmodic (episodic) affections. The majority of the medicinal value of the plant tends to revolve around the leaves of the plant.
Nervous and Spasmodic affections, such as rashes caused by poison oak and headaches, were treated through the use of water in which the leaves of Artemisia douglasiana have been simmering. Additionally, this tea was used by Native Americans to provide benefits in the treatment of female period pains, rheumatism and gout. The teas produced with the leaves and or the stems of Artemisia douglasiana and other similar plants have also been known to be used by the Europeans as an anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic (fever reducer). The annotations written on our image of Artemisia douglasiana reflect the utility of the various areas of the plant in addition to describing the plant’s history of medical uses.