Mugwort: Materia Medica
Société Apothecary
\ \ Mugwort]( https://www.societeapothecary.com/s/search?q=mugwort ) SUMMARY A classic herb in both medicine and magic, Mugwort has a long history of use as a dream herb, helping to bring about lucid and pleasant dreams. Mugwort and all Artemesia species can also be used as a substitute for white sage in smudge bundles for clearing negative energies. MATERIA MEDICA Latin Binomial: Artemisia vulgaris Common Name(s) : Mugwort, common mugwort, cronewort, sailor's tobacco TCM Name : Ài (or àicǎo), Ai Ye Ayurvedic Name(s) : Nagadamani Family: Asteraceae or Compositae Physical Description of the Plant: Mugwort is a tall shrubby spreading perennial, with stems that can grow up to 8’, or as low as 18" in city lots and road sides. The leaves are smooth and dark green above and silvery grey beneath. They are alternate, pinnately lobed, and segmented. The small greenish yellow flowers are borne in panicled spikes. Blooming is from July to October. Habitat: Mugwort is a perennial herb native to Africa, temperate Asia, and Europe, widely naturalized in most parts of the world, and found growing by roadsides and waste land. Mugwort prefers slightly alkaline, well-drained loamy soil, in a a sunny location. Can be intrusive in a garden, growing up to 8 feet tall and spreading underground by stolons. Harvest and Collection: For internal use, harvest mugwort leaves at the end of summer before it flowers. Roots may be harvested in fall. For use as an incense or in a dream pillow, harvest during flowering/seeding. Parts of the Plant Used: Flowers, leaves, roots Qualities: Mugwort has a warming quality, which is particularly soothing to the lower organs - kidneys, gallbladder, liver, stomach, and the female reproductive organs. It increases stomach acid and bile production, eases gas and bloating, improves digestion and the absorption of nutrients, and strengthens the entire digestive system. Energetics: Aromatic, spicy and bitter Chemical Constituents: Acrid resin Coumarin derivatives Essential oil (thujone) Flavonol glycosides Sesquiterpene lactones Tannins Triterpenes Volatile oils containing 1,8-cineole, artemisin Actions: Western: Abortifacient Antidepressant Anthelmintic Antibacterial Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic to digestive tract Antispasmodic Bitter tonic Carminative Cholagogue Diaphoretic Emmenagogue Mild narcotic Mild nervine Vermifuge Eastern: Meridians: Spleen, kidney, liver. Moxibustion is a common practice in TCM often applied before acupuncture or in conjunction with acupuncture. Moxa is a special preparation of Mugwort that makes is easier to use for burning. It is fragrant, flammable, and when burning brings heat and warmth to an area. This heat and warmth are good for warming associated channels to dispel cold, strengthen Yang-Qi, remove stasis of the blood, and to dissipate stagnation. Indications: Anorexia Atonic gastritis Congestive dysmennhoroea Delayed menstruation Depression and tension Worm infestations Mugwort's powerful anti-parasitic and anthelmintic properties are indicated for cases of parasitic bacteria or worm infections in the gut. It will kill the pathogens, is strongly astringent and drying, and will help slow or stop diarrhea often associated with these types of infections. Its warming carminative and bitter properties will also help sooth gas, bloating, and digestive discomfort. Contraindications/Cautions: Not recommended for pregnant or nursing women; may be poisonous in large doses; may cause dermatitis on skin contact for some people. May cause an allergic reaction for those with allergies to the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family. Drug Interactions: There are no known plant-medication interactions at present. Dosage: Tincture : 5-20 drops twice daily. Infusion: Steep 1 tsp. dried herb in one cup boiling water, take in mouthful doses throughout the day. Mugwort can also be smoked for either medicinal or metaphysical purposes. Combinations: Combine with lavender and catnip, as tea or in dream pillows. Can also be combined with Motherwort and Blue Vervain. Folklore: The herb is named for the Goddess Artemis, the protector of women and children. It is also associated with the god Thor, who wore a belt of mugwort that was said to protect him and refresh his tired legs on long journeys. Anglo-Saxons listed Mugwort as one of the ‘Nine Sacred Herbs” given to the world by the God Woden. It is still used to induce lucid dreams or astral projection by smoking the herb or drinking it as a tea. It is said to enhance whatever level of dreaming one has achieved. If one cannot remember one's dreams, Mugwort will help to develop this ability. If one is at the next level of dreaming, cognitive dreaming (being aware one is dreaming and being able to "manipulate" the dream at will), Mugwort will enhance this. The final level is precognitive dreaming; dreaming of future events. Flower Essence: Artemisia douglasiana, a