Mugwort, also known as Artemisia vulgaris, is an herb that has been revered for its magical properties for centuries. This herb is native to Europe, Asia, and North America and has a long history of use in various cultures for its spiritual and mystical properties. One of the most well-known magical properties of mugwort is its ability to enhance psychic abilities and stimulate dreams. Mugwort has been used by practitioners of divination and witchcraft for its ability to increase intuition and psychic sensitivity. It is believed that when placed under the pillow, mugwort can enhance dream recall and lucid dreaming. It is also used in smudging rituals to cleanse and purify energy.
Mugwort
Artemisia vulgaris is a versatile plant that is used medicinally to cure stomach, endocrine, and intestinal issues as well as increase energy and promote vivid dreams.
Scientific Name: Artemisia vulgaris
Common Name: Mugwort; common wormwood
Plant Family: Asteraceae (Aster family)
Etymology: Mugwort’s name may have been derived from the old English word moughte, meaning “moth,” referring to the plant’s folk use to repel moths. Additionally, wort means plant or root, and mug means gnat, meaning the name could refer to the plant’s use to repel gnats and other bugs. The botanical name Artemisia is from the Greek goddess of the hunt, fertility, and forests.
Traditional Uses
Medicinal uses of Mugwort are plentiful. Roman soldiers were known to put Artemisia vulgaris leaves in their sandals to keep their feet from tiring. Additionally, mugwort was used to control and regulate fertility and menstruation. By applying mugwort topically or internally, the uterine system can be supported, this includes menstruation, giving birth, and resting threatened miscarriages. In Japanese and Korean medicine, Mugwort was used for cases of rheumatism or arthritic spots on the body. Mugwort is also antifungal, meaning it can be used to treat pinworms, athletes’ foot, ringworm, and tinea versicolor.
Additionally, Native Americans used mugwort as a spiritual and medicinal ally. It was believed that rubbing mugwort on the body would keep ghosts away and that keeping mugwort close while sleeping would keep ghosts away. Mugwort can also be used as an aid for lucid dreaming and dream exploration.
Edible Parts
Mugwort leaves are slightly bitter and very aromatic, they can be eaten raw or cooked. The young shoots can be cooked, and leaves, flowers, and roots can be used in tea. Additionally, mugwort can be dried, rolled, and ingested through smoking.
Gathering and Using
The flowering tops of Mugwort should be collected once they bloom, and the leaves of mugwort plants should be collected before the plant flowers. The leaves can be dried and tied into bundles to be put in a dark and dry place. Mugwort roots can be dug in autumn when they should be washed and left to dry. Roots are finished drying once they are dry and brittle, snapping when bent. This can be achieved through finishing the drying process over a fire or stove.
Permaculture Functions and Considerations
Edible roots, leaves, and stems, medicinal uses, wildlife food, biomass, organic matter, pollinator habitat, carbon sequestration. Interestingly, mugwort has various health benefits to goats and other livestock because of its deworming properties.
Habitat
You can expect to find Artemisia vulgaris growing in moist and well-drained soil such as in sandy lands, loamy, and clay soils. It prefers well-drained soil, and it is best to in semi-shade or no shade.
How to Identify
Mugwort can be identified through its dark green leaves. The leaves are deeply lobed and hairless on top with a white/silver underside covered in downy hairs. The stems are purple and red, and the wooly flowers are red or pale yellow.
Wildlife Support
Mugwort is known for its flowers and leaves attracting bees and butterflies as well as other wildlife .
Additional Information
Artemisia vulgaris is a hermaphrodite, meaning it has both male and female organs! Mugwort is pollinated by wind.
Sources
- Identifying Mugwort
- PFAF Mugwort
- Mugwort & Healthy Goats
- How to use Mugwort
- Edible Wild Food - Mugwort
- Mugwort Herb Properties
- Etymology of Mugwort
- Mugwort Properies
- Very Well Health - Mugwort.
- NCSU Mugwort
- USDA - Mugwort
Planting Considerations
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Native Range: Temperate regions of the northern hemisphere & Britain
- Forest Garden Layer: herbaceous
- Height: 4 ft
- Spread: 6 ft or more
- Growth rate: fast
- Sun: semi-shade or no shade
- Bloom: yellow from rarely summer-early fall
- Attracts: birds, butterflies, honey bees, other wildlife
- Tolerates: drought, shallow soil, frost, alkaline soil
- Drawbacks: can spread very far and very fast — could become a weed or invasive, putting other native plants at risk.
- Soil moisture: moist and occasionally dry
- Soil texture: can grow in sandy, loamy, and shallow rocky soils, prefers well-drained soil
- Soil pH: neutral soil (6-8 pH)
MUGWORT - Uses, Side Effects, and More
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is a plant native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. The parts that grow above the ground and the root are used to make medicine.
Chemicals in mugwort might have anti-inflammatory effects. It also contains a chemical called thujone, which might stimulate the uterus.
People use mugwort for anxiety, irregular periods, colic, insomnia, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse mugwort with plants with similar common names, including Artemisia herba-alba, tarragon, wormseed, and wormwood. These are not the same.
It is also used in smudging rituals to cleanse and purify energy. Mugwort is also associated with protection and warding off negative energies. It is often used in amulets, talismans, and mojo bags for protection against evil spirits and negative forces.
Uses & Effectiveness ?
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It is believed that carrying mugwort can create a protective shield around the individual and their home, keeping away negative energies and promoting a sense of safety and well-being. In addition to its psychic and protective properties, mugwort is also used for its healing and visionary properties. In traditional folk medicine, mugwort is used as a tonic to treat various digestive issues and to stimulate appetite. It is also known for its ability to support women's health, particularly in regulating the menstrual cycle and easing menstrual cramps. In some cultures, mugwort is used as an herb for divination and spiritual journeying, as it is believed to induce visions and enhance the connection to the spiritual realm. Overall, mugwort is a versatile and powerful herb that has been used for centuries for its magical and mystical properties. Whether used for divination, protection, healing, or visionary experiences, mugwort is a beloved herb that continues to be revered for its potent and transformative properties..
Reviews for "The history of mugwort as a sacred herb in different cultures"
- John - 1 star
I was really disappointed with the "Mugwort magical properties" book. The author claims that mugwort has all these magical qualities and can be used for healing, protection, and divination. But when I tried it myself, I didn't feel any different and nothing magical happened. It just felt like a waste of time and money.
- Sarah - 2 stars
I was intrigued by the concept of mugwort having magical properties, so I decided to give this book a try. However, I found it to be quite unconvincing. The author didn't provide any scientific evidence or studies to support their claims. It all seemed like a bunch of vague anecdotes and folklore. I was expecting something more substantial and evidence-based.
- Michael - 1 star
As someone who is into herbalism and witchcraft, I was really excited to learn more about the magical properties of mugwort. Unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations. The author only scratched the surface and didn't go into enough detail about how to actually use mugwort in spells or rituals. It felt more like a basic introduction to the herb rather than a comprehensive guide to its magical properties.
- Emily - 2 stars
I found "Mugwort magical properties" to be a bit misleading. The title made it seem like it would provide a deep dive into the history, folklore, and practical uses of mugwort in magic. However, I found the information to be quite shallow and repetitive. It didn't offer anything new or unique that I couldn't find with a quick internet search. I was hoping for more substance and depth.