Mugwort- Artemisia vulgaris L.
Botanical Description
Mugwort is a tall perennial that can reach up to 3 feet in height with pinnate leaves that are downy and silvery-gray on the undersides. Tiny yellow or reddish flowers appear in late summer and are distributed in clustered branches. The root is light brown, woody, and about 8 inches long.
Harvesting
The plant parts used in Herbal Medicine are the leaves and the roots. For internal use, harvest Mugwort leaf at the end of summer before it flowers. Roots may be harvested in autumn as the plant has died off and going back into the ground for the winter. For use as an incense or in a dream pillow, harvest during flowering/seeding.
A little bit about Mugwort
Mugwort has long been associated with femininity and is one of the nine sacred herbs of the Druidic herbs, believed to protect against evil and poisons. It's silvery undersides of the leaves seem to glow in the moonlight making it look very magical indeed! Mugwort reveals itself this way as a herb of the moon.
It is a warming, aromatic bitter herb, stimulating the liver and the digestion as well as being soothing to the nervous system. It is a very beneficial herb in bringing balance to women's cycles, helping to ease pain and cramping, premenstrual mood swings and headaches, and is also very supportive in perimenopause and menopause bringing about balance. It can bring on menstruation and is not to be used in pregnancy.
Mugwort is an especially helpful herb for those who have developed a 'tough exterior' due to their life or work, in order to survive and helps not only women, but also men tune into and get in touch with their femininity. It is a relaxing herb and a nervine, that can soothe away the hardness that we develop when we push ourselves over a long period of time.
Mugwort has a long historical medicinal and magical use. It was used in Chinese and Tibetan medicine as the basis of Moxa, which is used in moxibustion treatments. It can be rolled and smoked which is used to bring on vivid dreaming and dream recall. It can be mixed with other herbs for this use such as Damiana.
I love Mugwort. It is one of my favourites and it calls to me all the time. I use it personally a lot and also a lot in clinic- in both tincture/ extract form and also the dried leaf in teas. It smells amazing and I honestly can't get enough.
Suggestions for using at home
Mugwort infused oil
Take some dried Mugwort leaves and loosely fill a jar with it. Pour over light olive oil so the herb is fully covered. Leave the jar on a warm windowsill with a paper bag over it for at least four weeks. Check and/ or stir regularly to make sure there is no herb popping above the oil. Once the oil is ready, strain and bottle. Store in a dark cupboard. Massage on the abdomen to relieve period pains.
Calming Digestive Blend
This tea is great for those that are finding stress affecting the ability to enjoy and digest their food. The herbs in this tea are all calming. Herbs include Mugwort, Chamomile and Catnip. Mugwort and chamomile stimulate the digestion, and Catnip and chamomile are good carminatives. Simply mix equal parts of each herb, make a tea and sip after dinner. Add honey to sweeten if needed.
References:
Jones, Lucy. A working Herbal Dispensary
Herbal Academy, Herbarium Monograph, Mugwort