"Oily hair? Itchy scalp? Excessive hair loss? Don’t rush to buy expensive shampoos—maybe the common mugwort at home is your 'hair care secret weapon'!" Recently, many people have been troubled by scalp issues. An oily scalp, unbearable itching, and even the sight of hair falling out during washing can unconsciously weigh on one’s mood.

Some people try switching shampoos, using conditioners, or even expensive hair care products, yet the results remain unsatisfactory. Meanwhile, those who simply wash their hair with boiled mugwort water find their scalps refreshed, hair loss reduced, and overall comfort significantly improved.

Don’t underestimate mugwort—though commonly used for repelling mosquitoes or foot soaking, it is actually a powerful ally for hair and scalp care. This ancient herb has been widely applied in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) since ancient times, particularly for its unique effects on scalp health. Today, we’ll explore the benefits of washing hair with boiled mugwort water and why this simple method can bring remarkable changes to scalp health.

Why is washing hair with mugwort boiled water so effective?

In TCM, mugwort is revered as the "king of herbs" due to its ability to warm meridians, promote circulation, dispel dampness, and relieve itching. It contains abundant volatile oils, flavonoids, multiple organic acids, and trace elements—all beneficial for scalp health. Modern medical research shows that the active compounds in mugwort possess antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, itch-relieving, and oil-controlling properties, helping regulate the scalp environment and improve metabolic conditions.

More importantly, TCM emphasizes that "dampness breeds a hundred diseases," and scalp issues are often linked to dampness. Excess scalp dampness can clog hair follicles, increase oil production, and trigger itching, potentially leading to hair loss if left untreated. Mugwort’s strong dampness-dispelling effects make boiled mugwort water an effective remedy—it not only alleviates dampness-related scalp problems but also enhances blood circulation, providing hair follicles with a healthier nutrient supply.

Persistently using mugwort to wash your hair, you'll discover four benefits quietly "knocking on your door," revitalizing the condition of both your scalp and hair.

Scalp feels fresher and stays free from itchiness

Scalp itching is an "invisible annoyance" for many people, especially during humid and hot seasons or damp weather when the scalp tends to become oily and itchy. The volatile oils and cineole present in mugwort leaves possess antibacterial and antipruritic properties, effectively inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi on the scalp while improving sebum secretion.

Persistently using mugwort-boiled water to wash your hair is like giving your scalp a deep cleanse—not only does the itching disappear, but the scalp environment also becomes healthier. Especially for those prone to dandruff, mugwort can also help reduce its occurrence, restoring the scalp to a clean and refreshed state.

Hair becomes stronger and shedding is reduced

Excessive hair loss is a persistent worry for many people, especially when washing or combing hair. Seeing clumps of fallen hair can really dampen one's mood. In fact, hair loss is often caused by insufficient nutrient supply to scalp follicles or damage to the follicular environment. Washing hair with mugwort-infused water can promote scalp blood circulation, improve follicular metabolism, and fundamentally reduce hair shedding.

After washing your hair with mugwort leaves, you'll notice gradually reduced hair fall, with strands becoming thicker and more resilient. Whether short or long, the hair appears healthier and more lustrous, enhancing one's overall vitality and appearance.

Promotes faster hair growth and strengthens the hairline

Receding hairlines are an issue many dislike confronting, yet they're becoming increasingly common. Another benefit of washing hair with boiled mugwort water is stimulating hair follicle regeneration, helping new hair grow better and faster. The flavonoids and volatile components in mugwort can activate hair follicle cells beneath the scalp, enhancing follicle activity and accelerating new hair growth.

Especially for those experiencing receding hairlines due to chronic sleep deprivation and irregular eating habits, persistently washing hair with mugwort leaves may lead to a pleasant surprise - the hairline stops receding further and new hair grows thicker.

Relieve head fatigue and improve mental state

Scalp health is closely related to overall qi and blood circulation. The head is what Traditional Chinese Medicine calls the "convergence point of all yang energies" and serves as the intersection of the body's meridians. Poor blood circulation in the scalp not only causes scalp problems but may also trigger symptoms like dizziness, head fatigue, and even insomnia.

When washing your hair with water boiled with mugwort leaves, the warm temperature combined with the medicinal effects of mugwort stimulates the scalp's meridians, promotes blood circulation, relaxes tense scalp muscles, and relieves head fatigue. After washing, you'll feel refreshed and clear-headed, with even an improvement in sleep quality.

How to Wash Hair with Mugwort Infusion for Maximum Effectiveness?

The method of washing hair with mugwort infusion is quite simple, but there are a few details to pay attention to in order to better utilize mugwort's therapeutic effects.

First, it's recommended to use dried mugwort leaves, as they contain more concentrated active components and stronger medicinal properties. For each use, take 30-50 grams of dried mugwort leaves (approximately a handful), boil in water for 10 minutes, and wait until the water temperature cools to a tolerable warmth before using for hair washing. To enhance the effects, you may add a few slices of ginger or a small piece of dried tangerine peel during the boiling process, which can further improve the dampness-removing and blood-activating functions.

When washing your hair, first soak your scalp and hair with mugwort water, gently massaging the scalp for 5-10 minutes to allow the active components of mugwort to fully penetrate the scalp, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Wash 2-3 times per week, and with consistent use, you'll notice positive changes in both your scalp and hair condition.

It should be noted that while mugwort is a natural herb, it may not be suitable for everyone. If you are allergic to plant ingredients or have scalp abrasions/wounds, it's advisable to consult a doctor before use. Furthermore, mugwort water for hair washing primarily focuses on improving scalp conditions—its effects may be limited for certain types of hereditary or pathological hair loss, and professional medical assistance should be sought when necessary.

Artemisia argyi, this seemingly ordinary herb, actually contains abundant health benefits. Using water boiled with Artemisia argyi to wash your hair can not only remove scalp oiliness and itchiness but also reduce hair loss and promote new hair growth, leading to a healthier and more vibrant scalp and hair.

Healthy scalp is the foundation of beautiful hair, and the condition of our hair directly affects our appearance and confidence. Try consistently washing your hair with mugwort water—it's not just a simple hair care method but also a mindful way to nurture your health. Let mugwort become your scalp guardian. Starting today, relieve your scalp and let your hair regain its radiance!