Artemisia Arborescens / Great Mugwort

A blue essential oil is often assumed to be a chamomile. Artemisia arborescens distils deep blue as well, coloured by chamazulene, but its chemistry is dominated by ketones. It belongs with the wormwoods and is handled as one.

01 · Origin

A silver-leaved shrub of the daisy family, Asteraceae, native to the Mediterranean coast. Its common name, great mugwort, reflects its size among the artemisias. This oil is distilled in Morocco from the wild-collected flowering plant. Mugwort, Artemisia vulgaris (No. 1150), shows how widely the genus varies.

02 · Chemistry

Beta-thujone and camphor lead, both monoterpene ketones. Myrcene and sabinene form the hydrocarbon fraction. Chamazulene forms during distillation from precursors in the plant and gives the colour, which can drift toward green as the oil ages. Thujone-rich oils are used sparingly and at low dilution in professional practice.

03 · In Practice

Herbaceous, sharp and camphoraceous, with a cool, slightly minty edge over a bitter green base. A middle note used in small proportion in natural perfumery and in soap and cologne formulation. Olfactory study beside the blue chamomiles, Matricaria chamomilla (No. 1680) and Tanacetum annuum (No. 1690), sets the chemical contrast out clearly. Blends with lavender, rosemary, cedarwood, clary sage, juniper and oakmoss.

General information: For external use only. Dilute before applying to skin. Keep away from heat and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.