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Photo by Karen Bergeron
Copyright 2000
Photo by Deb Jackson
Copyright 2000 |
Mugwort
Artemisia vulgaris
2 articles on this page
Dr. Richard Alan Miller,
Contributor
Dr. Richard Alan Miller has written works on this subject, here are some of
his comments when I asked him about Mugwort.
(Magical and Ritual Use series - Inner Traditions).
"First, let me say that the chemistries in question have always been associated with
the leaf-part of the plant. Mugwort is a slightly different species than Wormwood,
but of the same genus (and oils). Mugwort has an irritant which limits the ability
for deep sleep. Hence, it’s use as a “Dream Pillow” ingredient
(allowing only low alphoid activity).
From a chemistry point-of-view, there is very little difference in where this crop
is harvested. We farm more than 10 acres in CA, and that produced in WI is
essentially the same. It does like a drier and hotter climate, but the herb grows in
almost every state. It is like Catnip, with no real cultivar variations.
This irritant, when combined with other specific chemistries, may also act as a light
depressant. This is especially true when combined with Passion Flower and Lobelia.
Tinctured, other fatty oils become involved, making it a light euphoric or
aphrodisiac. For more detail, see my titles Magical and Ritual
Use of Herbs and Magical and Ritual Use of Aphrodisiacs. --Richard Alan Miller
DrRam@AOL.com
DrRam@Magick.net
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Mugwort
Artemisia vulgaris
Other Names
Artemisa, Carline Thistle, Chiu
Ts'Ao, Common
Mugwort, Douglas Mugwort, Felon herb, Sailor’s tobacco, Wormwood
Habitat
Perennial herb native to
Africa, temperate Asia, and Europe, widely naturalized in most parts of the world. Found
growing on hedgebanks and waysides, uncultivated and waste land. Cultivation is fairly
easy Mugwort prefers slightly alkaline, well-drained loamy soil, in a a sunny position. A
tall-growing shrubby plant, with angular stems, which are and often purplish, growing 3
feet or more in height. The leaves are smooth and dark green above and covered with a
cottony down beneath. They are alternate, pinnately lobed, and segmented. The small
greenish yellow flowers are panicled spikes with a cottony appearance. Blooming is from
July to October. Mugwort is closely related to Common Wormwood (Absinthe). Gather leaves
and stems when in bloom, dry for later herb use.
Properties
Mugwort leaves are edible, young leaves are
boiled as a pot herb or used in salad, they aid in digestion although said to have a
bitter taste. Used for centuries as an alternative medicine, it is antibacterial, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative,
cholagogue,
diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, haemostatic, nervine,
purgative, stimulant, stomachic, and tonic, cleansing toxins from the blood. An infusion
of the leaves and flowering tops is used in the treatment of all matters connected to the
digestive system, it increases stomach acid and bile production, eases gas and bloating,
improving digestion, the absorption of nutrients and strengthening the entire digestive
system. It is used in alternative medicine to
expel intestinal worms, nervous and spasmodic affections, asthma, sterility, functional
bleeding of the uterus and menstrual complaints, and diseases of the brain. As a gargle
for sore throat, a wash for sores and a poultice for infections, tumors and to stop
bleeding. These actions and uses are now backed by scientific studies on the plants main
constituents volatile oils containing 1,8-cineole, artemisin, azulenes sesquiterpene
lactones, flavonoids, coumarin derivatives, tannins, thujone and triterpenes. The leaves
have an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Staphococcus aureus, Bacillus
typhi, B. dysenteriae, streptococci, E. coli, B. subtilis, and pseudomonas. A weak tea
made from the infused plant is a good all-purpose insecticide. The fresh or the dried
plant repels insects.
Caution:
Should not be used by pregnant women since it can cause a miscarriage.
Folklore
In Native American folklore Mugwort was also a
Witchcraft medicine, rubbed the leaves on ones body to keep ghosts away or wearing a
necklace to prevent dreaming of the dead. In the Middle Ages a crown made from its sprays
was worn on St. John's Eve to gain security from evil possession. Mugwort derived its
common name from being used to flavor drinks like beer before the introduction of hops.
The Name Artemisia is from the Goddess Artemis (1st century AD) who inspired the plants
genus name.
Recipe
Medicinal tea: Steep 1 tsp. dried herb in ½ cup boiling
water, take in mouthful doses throughout the day.
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Herbal, 1999 -2005 All Rights Reserved
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