Red Hawk Ridge

Mugwort, Artemisia vulgaris, is a shrubby perennial that can grow up to 6 feet tall. It is best identified by the silvery underside of its feathery leaves, which are dark green on top and heavily indented. When in bloom, the flowers come in clusters of small reddish or yellow flower heads.

Artemisia= derived from Artemis, Greek moon goddess and patron of women
vulgaris= ‘of the people,’ ‘common,’ or ‘abundant’

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Mugwort is a perennial herb native to Europe, Asia, and North America. It is a member of the Asteraceae family, in the same genus as the common daisy. Mugwort flourishes in open areas and along roadsides and is easily found in temperate areas in the northern hemisphere. Leaves are gathered in late summer, right before the plant flowers. Mugwort is typically considered invasive, so when you find her, there will probably be a large patch you can gather.

Many species of Artemisia can be found worldwide, including tarragon, sagebrushes, and wormwood.

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Historically, it was used to make ale before hops.
Mugwort’s name comes from the term ‘a mug worth.’

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Mugwort Contains:

• caryophyllene
• sesquiterpene lactone
• flavonoids
• coumarin derivatives
• triterpenes

Aka Mater Herbarum (Mother of Herbs), she has been used for thousands of years, and is a great ally for women.

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If a woman be unable to give birth to her child let the mugwort be bound to her left thigh. Let it be instantly removed when she has been delivered, lest there should be haemorrhage.

The Physicians of Myddfai, 13th Century

Mugwort is helpful to induce menstruation and level out irregular cycles, and should not be used by pregnant women, as it can cause miscarriage.

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Moxa is a principal ingredient in Mugwort. In China, it is used in moxibustion, a process where heat from burning a cigar-shaped roll of Mugwort leaves is applied to acupuncture points, which is said to balance the qi, or energy flow, in the body.

Mugwort ‘smudge sticks’ burn slowly and can purify the air, cleanse stagnant energy from ‘stuffy’ rooms, and repell moths from clothing.

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At a low, consistent dose, Mugwort (milder in action than many other Artemisia species) can improve appetite, digestion, and the absorption of nutrients. Along with aiding the body in eliminating worms, Mugwort also increases bile flow, which is why it is beneficial to digestion.

Despite the general use as a uterine stimulant in Western practices, Chinese Medicine contradicts this by using Mugwort to prevent miscarriage and reduce or completely stop menstruation. I use Mugwort from a Western perspective, but I respect Chinese Traditional Medicine. I believe it may all come down to dosage or how Mugwort is prepared. It reminds me of Self-Heal, where the harvest time changes what it is used for depending on your practice.

Along with being known as a woman’s herb, many also consider it the Witch’s Herb for other uses many attribute to witchcraft. This includes inducing prophetic and lucid dreams while causing more vivid dreams that are easier to remember. This comes down to how Lysergic acid amide and other chemicals found in Mugwort stimulate serotonin, which can increase dream productivity more so than ‘witchcraft.’

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Mugwort Actions:

• antioxidant
• antimicrobial
• anti-inflammatory
• diuretic
• antiseptic
• antifungal

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Mugwort also contains some anti-spasmodic effects that can help with muscle cramps and other types of muscle pain. Nausea, indigestion, bloating, and constipation have all been historically treated with Mugwort over the years. This lady has also been studied for her potential to treat respiratory issues, such as asthma and bronchitis, and the antiseptic quality lends to its use in malaria treatment.

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Tincture Uses:

• irregular and suppressed periods
• gas/flatulence
• stress and anxiety

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Mugwort can be used as a tea, dried and smoked, taken in capsule or tincture form, or used topically as an essential oil. It can also be used as incense and is commonly used in dream pillows to stimulate vivid dreams, which usually include other herbs like lavender and crystals like amethyst if you are into that kind of thing.

Overuse of Mugwort can cause nausea, headache, and dizziness, especially if smoked.
Anticoagulant medications like warfarin and Plavix can be affected by Mugwort, so avoid it if you are taking these medications or talk to your doctor.
Don’t take Mugwort if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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Mugwort is one of my favorite herbs, which I am still trying to cultivate myself. If you have any experience with this lovely lady, drop a comment and tell me all about it!

Many blessings,
Emma Lee Joy