Pollen Count
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Mugwort Pollen Allergy

Mugwort pollen comes from the mugwort plant (Artemisia vulgaris), a common weed found across the northern hemisphere. Mugwort is known for its tiny, wind-carried pollen grains.

Mugwort Pollen

These grains can cause allergic reactions in some people, especially during late summer and early autumn. Mugwort pollen allergy is relatively common, ranking third among pollen allergies, just after grasses and birch.

Just like ragweed, birch, and alder, mugwort is a common cause of seasonal allergies. These allergies are triggered when your immune system reacts to the pollen in the air, thinking it is harmful.

This can cause a range of symptoms, which we will discuss below.

Symptoms of a Mugwort Allergy

If you are allergic to mugwort pollen, you might experience:

Where is Mugwort Pollen Found?

Mugwort pollen is found all over Europe, Asia, and North America. The plant thrives in meadows, along roadsides, and even in gardens. It is particularly common in areas with lots of open land.

In Europe, mugwort pollen is especially widespread in cities like Berlin, Paris, Vienna, and Budapest.

The pollen can travel far because it is light and easily carried by the wind. This means even if you do not live near mugwort plants, you could still be affected by their pollen.

According to the Vienna Pollen Service at MedUni Vienna, mugwort is highly allergenic and can cause allergic symptoms even at relatively low pollen concentrations.

When is Mugwort Pollen Season?

Mugwort pollen season usually starts in early July and can last until September. The main flowering period, when pollen counts are highest, is typically around mid-August.

Researchers have observed that two late-flowering non-native mugwort species, Chinese mugwort (Artemisia verlotiorum) and annual mugwort (Artemisia annua), have become established in some areas. These species flower later in the year, which can extend the pollen season into autumn.

Pollen counts are typically higher on warm, dry, and windy days. Checking local pollen forecasts can help you know when mugwort pollen levels are high and plan your activities accordingly.

Treating a Mugwort Pollen Allergy

There are several ways to manage a mugwort pollen allergy:

Understanding mugwort pollen and how it affects you can make dealing with allergies easier. Keeping track of pollen counts and using the right treatments can help you feel better during allergy season.

Cross-Reactivity and Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS)

If you are allergic to mugwort pollen, you may also experience itching, tingling, or mild swelling in your mouth, lips, or throat after eating certain fresh fruits, vegetables, or spices. This is known as Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) or Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome (PFAS).

It happens because your immune system mistakes proteins in some foods for mugwort pollen proteins.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), common trigger foods for people with mugwort pollen allergy include:

Other foods that may cause reactions include celery, carrot, and certain fruits like melon and tomato. Celery food allergy is most closely linked to birch and mugwort pollen sensitization and is often referred to as the "birch-mugwort-celery syndrome".

Cooking or peeling these foods can often reduce or prevent the reaction. If you notice any symptoms, talk to your doctor for advice.

Check Pollen Levels for Mugwort Pollen

See the current mugwort pollen levels across Europe on our Pollen Map (select "mugwort" on the map options).

You can also sign up for pollen alerts to be notified of high mugwort pollen days in your city.

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