Traditional · Kampo botanicals
Yomogi (Japanese Mugwort)
ヨモギ (Yomogi)
Also known as: Artemisia princeps, Artemisia indica (Fuchiba variant), Japanese mugwort
At a glance
| Category | Traditional |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract |
| Common Japanese notations | ヨモギ, 蓬, フーチバー (沖縄) |
| Origin | Plant-derived (Artemisia princeps mainland; A. indica Okinawan variety) |
| Typical functions | Antioxidant, Soothing, Skin conditioning |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Long-standing cosmetic and food use; Pharmacopoeia entry for kampo use. |
Yomogi is the Japanese name for mugwort species native to Japan — Artemisia princeps on the mainland and Artemisia indica (locally 'fuchiba') in Okinawa. Distinct from Korean mugwort (Artemisia asiatica), it has strong traditional use in kampo, Okinawan cuisine, cosmetic steams, and confectionery.
Classification
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Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Origin
Used in (typical product categories)
Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.
- Cosmetic extracts
- Steam-therapy products
- Herbal teas
- Kusa-mochi confectionery
What it is
Artemisia princeps is an aromatic perennial in the Asteraceae family. Leaves contain eupafolin, jaceosidin, rutin, and essential oils including camphor and α-thujone (seasonal variation).
Commercial forms include dried leaf, leaf powder, water/hydro-alcoholic extracts, essential oil (thujone considerations for topical use), and tea bags. The Okinawan fuchiba variety is botanically Artemisia indica, used heavily in Okinawan cuisine.
Typical uses in Japanese products
Cosmetics: soothing and antioxidant positioning; common in steam-therapy products and scalp tonics.
Food: kusa-mochi (yomogi-flavored mochi), soba noodles with yomogi, and fuchiba-jūshī rice dishes in Okinawa.
Kampo: included in multiple traditional formulations; Pharmacopoeia-listed.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Traditional food and cosmetic ingredient; no generic restriction for typical use concentrations.
Essential oil use in leave-on cosmetics should consider thujone content; suppliers provide variety and batch-specific analyses.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | CosIng-listed for leaf extract. Thujone limits for essential oils apply to food and beverages. |
|---|---|
| USA | Acceptable for cosmetics. Supplement category observed for dried leaf and tea forms. |
| Korea | Distinct from Artemisia asiatica (sok) — buyers in K-beauty contexts should confirm species. |
Example products
Example finished products will be added after verification. Buyers should specify whether Artemisia princeps (mainland) or Artemisia indica (Okinawan fuchiba) is required.
All brand names and product names referenced anywhere on this site are the property of their respective owners. Example entries are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement.
Related ingredients
References
- Japanese Pharmacopoeia entries for yomogi (gaiyō, gaiyō-yō)
- Japan Yomogi Association
Last updated: 2026-04-23. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.